What Will Happen During Your Pet's Routine Checkup
When you and your cat or dog arrive at our veterinary hospital for their routine wellness exam, your vet will check your pet's medical history and status before asking you about any specific concerns you might have.
After discussing these items with you, your veterinarian will conduct your pet's physical exam, which will typically include any or all of these:
- Assessing your pet's stance, gait and weight
- Looking at your pet's eyes for signs of excessive tearing, discharge, cloudiness, redness, or eyelid issues
- Listening to your pet's heart and lungs to check for signs of breathing problems
- Examining your cat or dog's skin for a variety of issues, from dryness to lumps and bumps (especially under skin folds) and parasites
- Examining the condition of your pet's teeth for any signs of damage, decay or periodontal disease
- Assessing the general condition of your pet's coat and checking for dandruff, abnormal hair loss, excessive dryness or oiliness
- Looking at your cat or dog's ears for signs of polyps, bacterial infection, ear mites or wax buildup
- Palpating (feeling along) your pet's abdomen to assess whether internal organs appear normal and to look for signs of discomfort
- Feeling along your pet's body for any signs. of pain or illness, like swelling, or evidence of lameness such as limited range of motion
All of these checks are designed to detect signs or symptoms of health problems in your cat or dog. Because our pets are unable to express any pain they might be experiencing verbally, these tests help to determine how your pet is feeling in general.
Common Questions You May Want to Ask Your Vet
Your pet's veterinary exam will go more smoothly if you and your cat or dog are both prepared for the checkup. Being prepared ahead of time will help you get the information you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. The questions most clients have for their vets focus on the routine vaccinations their pet should have and when, their pet's behavior, whether their four-legged friend's diet is providing them the nutrition they need, and whether there is any preventive medication their pet should receive. Of course, finances are a concern for most and you may also have questions about any cost estimates or bills for your visit.
Your veterinarian should cover these aspects of your pet's care with you, but feel free to ask the following questions if you need to confirm an answer or need to follow up on a specific aspect of your dog or cat's exam:
Is my pet in need of any routine vaccinations?
Vaccines are a very important part of your cat or dog's preventative care. They have to be kept up to date to help protect them from a wide range of serious and often life-threatening illnesses and diseases. The vets at our Pleasant Hill vet clinic always do their best to inform you when your pet is due for their booster shots however, it can sometimes be overlooked so it's always best to ask.
Are there any concerns with my pet's behavior?
Pets do strange things that worry their owners, such as biting, wheezing, or itching. Always keep track of these behaviors and consult with your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying condition. You should also tell your veterinarian when these behaviors occurred so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
Do you have any recommendations for my pet's diet and nutrition?
It can be difficult to determine whether your pet is overweight or underweight. Pets of all breeds and ages must adhere to specific weight guidelines in order to live healthy lives. Even a few extra pounds over or underweight can put your pet at risk for a variety of health problems (some of which are life-threatening), making this a critical question. If your cat or dog is overweight, your veterinarian will work with you to develop a diet and exercise plan to help your pet lose weight.
What prevention medication should my pet have?
Fleas and ticks are not only bothersome for both pets and their owners, but they also spread a number of serious diseases. With so many different products available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you and your pet. Fortunately, your veterinarian will be able to recommend or prescribe a parasite prevention product that will work best for your pet.
Can you explain the items on my bill, please?
When the staff at your veterinary office hands you the bill, please ask this question if you don't understand the charges. Your veterinarian can break down the costs and explain what each fee represents so you can gain a better understanding of the services offered. This will also help you plan your pet's next appointment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.