Getting a regular wellness check for your pets is their best opportunity to have a long and healthy life. It could feel like an unnecessary cost for many owners, especially if your pet looks just fine; however, keep in mind that most health conditions do not reveal their symptoms right away. During the appointment, your veterinarian may ask you certain questions about your pet’s health or behavior. The procedure that will be done for your pet’s examination may depend on the observation of your vet.
Is the Wellness Examination Important?
Our pets age faster than us. That’s why it is important to see to it that they have regular checkups since they are more vulnerable to diseases as they age. It would also depend on your pet’s health status, breed, and lifestyle to identify how often they should have a wellness examination. If it’s your first time visiting a vet clinic to get your pet examined, here is what your vet would most likely do. You can go to a vet clinic’s website and click on “more about this pet clinic” to learn more.
Observation
The very first thing your vet will do is to observe your pet. They will check your pet’s overall body condition to see if they have the appropriate weight and muscle. They will also check the skin to see if it is dry, if there is dandruff, and look for oiliness. The eyes will also be checked if there is redness, tearing on their cornea, and discharge. To see tartar build-up, excessive salivation, and gum disease, their mouth will also be checked. An extensive pet check up is always required in these situations.
Auscultation and Palpation
Same with how human lungs and heart are examined, your veterinarian will also listen to their heart rate, rhythms, and murmurs. As for the palpation, your veterinarian will feel the lymph nodes in the neck, hind legs, and head to look for swelling or pain from touching it. They will also feel the abdomen in the areas of kidneys, liver, intestines, and bladder to assess if they appear to be normal and if there is any evidence of pain. You can check a pet clinic’s website to learn more.
Questions and Recommendations
Prior to your appointment, it is important that you take note of your personal monitoring of your pet’s behavior at home. That is to be prepared for any questions your vet may ask regarding their lifestyle, exercise routine, diet, habits, bowel and urination patterns, and general health. This is also when your vet may advise changes in their diet, vitamins and medications they should be taking, and instructions regarding how you should respond to emergency situations based on their findings after the appointment.
Conclusion
Expect that there will be a lot your vet will check for a detailed evaluation and accurate diagnosis about your pet’s health condition. Having a wellness check for your pets is vital in order for them to have and maintain optimal health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, suggestions and share everything you observe at home. Bear in mind that even the smallest detail can be a significant assistance to identify the condition of your pet, so see to it not to miss or overlook anything during your conversation.
