Why are routine vet checkups important?

It’s important to schedule a routine physical exam with your veterinarian once or twice a year, even if your pet seems perfectly healthy. These wellness checkups are crucial for maintaining your pet’s optimal health.

Regular visits allow your vet to evaluate your pet’s overall well-being and screen for diseases, illnesses, and conditions that might be hard to detect in their early stages, such as cancers and parasites.

Early detection and treatment of these conditions can be highly beneficial. During the checkup, your vet aims to both prevent potential health issues and identify early signs of disease to address them before they escalate into more serious problems.

How often should my pet attend a vet checkup?

The frequency of veterinary checkups for your pet depends on their medical history and age.

For pets with a history of illness but who are currently healthy, it’s advisable to schedule appointments with the vet twice a year or more to maintain their well-being. Your vet can provide guidance on how often your pet should come in for a checkup.

Young pets, such as puppies and kittens, have developing immune systems and may be more vulnerable to illnesses that adult pets can typically handle more easily. Therefore, your vet might suggest monthly checkups during the initial months.

Generally, an adult dog or cat with no prior health issues should have a vet checkup annually. However, senior pets and certain breeds, like giant breed dogs, are at higher risk for various conditions and may need more frequent visits. In these cases, scheduling checkups twice a year is recommended to monitor for early signs of illness.

How to Prepare?

For your pet’s initial visit to the vet, it’s important to provide basic medical information about your dog or cat. Be sure to bring details on:

• Your pet’s eating and drinking habits.
• Any recent travel.
• Current medications, including names and doses.
• Previous medical records, including vaccination history.
• Any tick bites.
• Their food type.
• Toilet habits.

Consider bringing a favorite blanket or toys to help comfort your pet during the visit. Dogs should be on a leash, and cats should be transported in a carrier.

What does a checkup for pets involve?

During your pet’s visit to the veterinarian, the vet will review their medical history and inquire if you have any concerns. They will also ask about your pet’s diet, exercise habits, thirst levels, bowel movements, urination, and other aspects of their lifestyle and behavior.

You might be asked to provide a fresh sample of your pet’s feces for a fecal exam. This test helps identify any intestinal parasites that may be hard to detect otherwise.

Following this, the vet will conduct a physical examination of your pet. While the exam will typically include certain standard checks, the vet may perform additional assessments based on your pet’s specific needs.

During the examination, the vet will:

• Assess your pet’s gait, stance, and weight.
• Use a stethoscope to listen to your pet’s heart and lungs.
• Inspect the eyes for signs of cloudiness, discharge, excessive tearing, or redness, and check the eyelids for any issues.
• Palpate the body to identify signs of illness, such as lameness, limited range of motion, swelling, or pain.
• Feel the abdomen to ensure internal organs are normal and to check for any pain or discomfort.
• Examine the nails and feet for significant health concerns or damage.
• Inspect the ears for wax buildup, polyps, ear mites, or bacterial infections.
• Check the teeth for decay, damage, or signs of periodontal disease.
• Assess the coat for overall condition, including abnormal hair loss or dandruff.
• Examine the skin for issues such as bumps or lumps (especially in skin folds), dryness, or parasites.