Prevent Future Issues with Pet Wellness Exams

Have you ever wondered why we schedule your pet’s wellness exams at least once per year (or more often for older pets)? It’s easy to try and put off these routine visits, especially if your pet seems healthy or there haven’t been any changes since the last time you visited the veterinarian.

As it turns out, many health issues can be detected early during wellness exams, making treatment that much more effective. One of the keys to optimal health and longevity for our pets is to take a proactive approach, and annual pet wellness exams aim to do just that.

Nose to Tail

After collecting a thorough medical history of your pet, the next thing your veterinarian will do during your pet’s wellness visit is conduct a full physical exam. Your pet’s eyes, ears, mouth, skin, coat, and abdomen will be evaluated, and recommendations will be made from there. Just a quick glance at these areas of your pet’s body can tell an expert a great deal about your pet’s overall health and wellness.

Weight and Nutrition

Pet obesity is on the rise, and it can cause many of the same health risks and issues in pets as it does for people. At each wellness exam, your veterinarian will assess your pet’s weight for major fluctuations and overall health, as rapid changes in weight can signal a health concern.

Beyond obesity, sometimes there are issues that can result from improper nutrition and diet. We take the nutrition of every one of our patients seriously, and will guide you with recommendations tailored to your pet.

Those Pearly Whites

The benefits of good dental care go far beyond your pet’s teeth and gums. Untreated periodontal disease, which is present in most pets by age 3, can lead to serious issues in your pet’s organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Besides regular brushing at home, Conrad Weiser Animal Hospital offers gentle, professional dental care for your pet. This includes cleanings, digital X-rays, and other necessary treatments for pet dental problems.

Pet Wellness and Disease Prevention

A discussion about the administration of vaccines and parasite preventives (for flea, tick, and heartworm) are also an important part of the pet wellness exam. Your veterinarian will discuss the various options for vaccines and parasite prevention, depending on the assessment of your pet’s overall health and wellness, as well as current medications and previous vaccinations.

General Monitoring

Many pets are predisposed to certain medical issues based on age, breed, or size. Making sure your pet makes it to all scheduled wellness exams will give your veterinarian the opportunity to keep an eye on your pet’s health and address any issues as soon as they arise.

Give Us a Call!

Pets age much more rapidly than humans, making it especially important that we see your pet on a regular basis. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns, or to schedule an appointment for your furry friend!