Pet wellness exams
An annual wellness exam is just as important for your pet as it is for you! It’s important to make annual visits into a routine, rather than waiting until your pet isn’t feeling well. We do our best to keep visits affordable and are always able to work around your busy schedule.
During a wellness visit, your pet’s weight, temperature, heart rate, respiration, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and other organs will be checked for any abnormalities. The veterinarian will also be looking at and feeling the skin for any lumps, bumps, ticks, fleas, and/or parasites. Part of wellness care also includes making sure your pet has the vaccinations he or she may need in order to stay healthy and comply with local laws.
Different breeds of animals may sometimes come with different health concerns. A wellness visit is a prime opportunity to start a dialogue with your veterinarian to discuss early interventions and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your pet’s breed.
Wellness exams are also a good time to discuss any concerns you may have about your pet’s health or behavior so you and your pet can enjoy a long and happy life together.
How often does my pet need a wellness exam?
Many aspects of your pet’s health can change in a short amount of time, so it is always wise to make sure your pet receives regular checkups.
Healthy dogs and cats should visit the veterinarian once a year for a complete exam and laboratory testing.
Healthy senior dogs and cats should receive a wellness exam and lab testing every six months.
Depending on your pet’s age and health, our veterinarian can suggest an appropriate physical examination schedule to help keep your pet in tip-top shape.
We thoroughly encourage annual wellness visits. Our professional team will evaluate the needs of each pet individually when recommending a vaccination protocol, deworming regimen, appropriate diet, etc.
Most pets are very good at hiding their illnesses, even when it comes to serious illnesses.
It is always easier on you and your pet to start preventative care early, which is where physical exams and wellness visits come into play. It may also save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
What can you expect during your pet’s wellness examination?
Our veterinarian will generally request a complete history of your pet’s health. Don’t forget to mention any unusual symptoms that you may have noticed in your pet, including:
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Eating more or less than usual
- Excessive drinking of water, urination, panting or scratching.
- Vomiting
- Weight gain or weight loss
Our veterinarian will also want to know about your pet’s daily behavior, including their diet, how much water they drink, and their exercise routine. It is highly recommended to come to your wellness check with a list of symptoms, questions, concerns, etc., so you don’t forget.
Common questions may be:
- Does your pet have trouble getting up in the morning?
- Does your pet show signs of weakness or lack of coordination?
- Does your pet show an unwillingness to exercise? Unwillingness to engage in play?
Depending on where you live, your pet’s lifestyle and age, our veterinarian may also ask questions to determine your pet’s risk of fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. The doctor will then prescribe an individualized treatment or preventive plan to address these issues.
No matter your pet’s breed, age, or health status, Acacia Pet Clinic is here to provide top-notch care for you and your fur babies!
For more information on pet wellness care or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (408) 264-6354!