The longer you own your pet, the better acquainted you become with its personality and habits. You’ll learn what kind of food and treats your pet prefers, and how to engage it in play. Your pet’s health, however, can be difficult to gauge, especially if it has a hidden medical condition. That’s why pet wellness exams are so important. At Arrow Animal Hospital in Los Lunas, NM, we recommend pet owners schedule annual wellness exams for their pets to confirm they’re in good health. There are several important things to know about pet exams and preventative care.
Wellness Exams and Preventative Care
Wellness exams play a key role in your pet’s veterinary care. They’re a means of catching early warning signs of medical conditions and sicknesses in your pet so it can receive immediate treatment. Health issues are always easier to treat in their early stages. Left unchecked, sicknesses can escalate into major health issues that require extensive treatment.
What to Expect in a Wellness Exam
Our team of veterinarians are experts in performing wellness exams. First, we will review your pet’s medical history to get an idea of past health issues. We’ll then record your pet’s weight, temperature and pulse for future reference. The actual exam entails a nose to tail inspection of your pet’s body to detect abnormalities such as rashes, open sores, or unusual lumps on the skin. We’ll check your pet’s mouth for dental issues and evaluate it joints for signs of arthritis. We’ll also listen to your pet’s heart and lungs to ensure they’re functioning as they should.
Depending on our findings, we may order lab tests (blood, urine, or fecal tests) to help diagnose a medical condition. If you have concerns or questions about your pet’s health, we’ll take time to address these. We’ll also provide nutritional and behavior counseling, if needed.
If your pet is due for vaccinations, we will administer them during the wellness exam to ensure your pet stays protected against infectious diseases. We also perform annual parasite and heartworm testing to ensure your pet is pest-free.
Benefits of Wellness Exams
As your pet ages, it’s more susceptible to sickness and disease. By scheduling annual wellness exams for your pet, you’re being proactive in protecting and preserving its health. Routine exams give our veterinarians a chance to address preventable health issues, like obesity and dental disease, before they become major problems in your pet’s life. Annual screening for diabetes, kidney disease, and arthritis can also help curtail problems before they start.
Schedule a Pet Wellness Exam
To keep your beloved pet healthy, it is important to bring it in for annual exams. At Arrow Animal Hospital in Los Lunas, NM, our team offers wellness exams and other vet care services. Call us today to set up an appointment.