We’re here for you when your pet is sick or injured, and we’re happy to recognize that most pets most of the time enjoy good health and have no immediate need to visit the vet. However, we strongly believe that you should plan for regular wellness visits with your vet throughout your pet’s life. It is the best way for you to ensure your pet’s long-term health and well-being. Routine wellness exams allow us to keep tabs on your pet’s growth and development, their overall health and body condition, their dental health, and their general wellness. They also give us the best opportunity of detecting illness or disease early, when it’s most likely to be treatable. Finally, wellness visits with your veterinarian are a valuable opportunity for you to ask questions and get advice on best care practices for your individual pet at its particular life-stage.
The core of a wellness program is the routine wellness exam. During a wellness visit your vet will conduct a thorough medical assessment of your pet. They will look at their body condition, skin and coat, examine their eyes, ears, mouth and teeth, and listen to their heart and breathing. They may recommend laboratory bloodwork to look at organ and metabolic function and to check for internal parasites. They will ensure their vaccines are up to date, and may recommend or administer other treatments, such as for parasite prevention or elimination.
The recommended frequency of wellness exams varies with life-stage. Puppies and kittens should come in monthly so we can monitor their rapid growth and development, give them their initial vaccines, deworm them, and make sure their teeth are developing without problems. Adult pets should come for a yearly wellness visit to check up on their health, assess any issues and keep them up to date with vaccines. Senior pets should be seen twice a year for an exam as well as bloodwork to monitor any age-related conditions that may develop or are being managed.
The importance of dental health and regular dental care to the overall health and well-being of pets can’t be overstated. A look at your pets’ mouth will allow your vet to advise of needed dental health procedures such as cleaning and offer dental home-care recommendations. Puppies and kittens need to have their teeth monitored closely so that painful conditions can be promptly dealt with and to identify any problems with their dental developmental early to facilitate appropriate and effective intervention. Adults and seniors should be regularly assessed for tartar buildup, signs of periodontal disease, and worn or broken teeth, as well as having routine cleanings. Untreated dental problems can cause your pet pain and even have systemic effects on their organs and overall health.
Regular visits are also a chance for us to get to know you and your pet. They are your opportunity to talk to your vet and tell them about any problems or issues you’ve noticed and address any questions or concerns you may have. You can get valuable advice on nutrition, appropriate exercise and general care and wellness.
