Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

To capture a complete picture of your pet's general health, your Palmyra vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include these elements: 

General Condition

Did you know your pet's physical condition and general demeanor can yield valuable insights into their overall health? How they stand and walk, whether they are a healthy weight for their size and their level of alertness are all important indicators of overall health. 

Coat & Skin

During your pet's checkup, your cat or dog's skin and coat will be checked for signs of problems, such as lumps, bumps, abnormal hair loss or shedding, dandruff, excessive oiliness or dryness.

Your pet's coat and skin can give great insight into whether they are receiving the nutrition they require, and some issues with the coat and skin can display the symptoms of an underlying health condition.

Face & Head

Your pet's nose, eyes and ears will be examined for discharge or abnormalities. We will also examine the mouth for symptoms of oral health issues such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease. 

Internal Health

Heart rhythm and rate, blood pressure and pulse are each vitally important to your pet's heart health. These will be tested to ensure they are normal. We will then examine the lungs for evidence of abnormal breathing. 

Lymph nodes will be inspected for pain and swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the bladder, liver, spleen, stomach, kidneys and intestines all feel normal, and that your pet is not displaying any signs of discomfort. 

Review of Findings

To finish your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will dedicate time to discussing any concerns either of you may have about your pet's overall health and review your dog or cat's nutritional requirements with you. 

Checkups for Puppies & Kittens

Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get them off to a healthy start. 

Your new best friend will get a complete physical examination, deworming medication, appropriate immunizations, and they will be tested for intestinal parasites. You'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material on caring for your new pet. 

Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots. 

Seniors

With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.

This means that your pet's routine healthcare will require special attention as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular exams become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity. 

We'll give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.

Additional tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about their wellbeing.

Your Pet's Wellness Exam Schedule

The specific schedule for your pet's wellness exams may vary depending on their individual health risks or concerns. However, there are some general guidelines.

Our vets recommend your cat or dog having a checkup once a year during their first seven years of life. This allows your vet to ensure your pet is in good health, and detect any issues before they worsen.

Older pets tend to experience more health issues that can be hard to detect, including arthritis, as well as dental, ocular, and internal health conditions. Because of this, we recommend older pets come in twice a year.