Most people understand why their pet must be examined by their veterinarian when they are ill or injured. However, if your pet is healthy, what’s the purpose of routine exams? Much like your annual physicals, veterinary wellness exams help prevent disease and keep your pet as healthy as possible. These routine checkups play a pivotal role in maintaining your furry friend’s health and happiness. Our Skyway Animal Hospital team explains pet wellness exams’ benefits as the foundation for your four-legged friend’s long and healthy life. 

What to expect during your pet’s wellness exam

During your pet’s wellness exam, your veterinarian establishes your furry pal’s health baseline—their normal health status at that time. This baseline is instrumental in detecting changes to your pet’s health over time. Early disease detection relies on wellness or preventive care. 

When you bring your pet in for an exam at Skyway Animal Hospital, your veterinarian ensures your four-legged friend’s vaccinations and parasite prevention are up-to-date. These vaccines and preventives protect your pet from parasite-borne illnesses and potentially fatal infectious diseases. In addition, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, which includes:

  • Listening to their heart and lungs
  • Checking your pet’s mobility and stance
  • Weighing your pet and determining their body condition score
  • Examining their skin and coat
  • Palpating their abdomen, assessing internal organ health
  • Feeling along your pet’s body for lumps, bumps, or swelling
  • Inspecting their ears for mites and abnormalities
  • Evaluating your pet’s dental health

Your veterinarian may order blood tests and parasite screening to gain additional insight into your pet’s health status and possible heartworm or other parasite infections. They may also ask you to bring in a fecal sample for parasite screening.

Another wellness exam benefit is that during the visit you can discuss any pet concerns, including problem behavior and nutrition needs. Wellness care truly encompasses every aspect of your pet’s well-being.

The importance of pet wellness exams

Ask any veterinarian what helps ensure your pet’s good health, and they will tell you: prevention. The adage,  “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is true. Wellness care encompasses more than essential vaccines; it maintains your pet’s health and well-being. Pet wellness care’s advantages include:

  • Preventive care and longevity — Pets benefit significantly from preventive health care. Wellness visits allow your veterinarian to detect potential health issues before they escalate into serious problems. By providing vaccinations and parasite prevention, these visits are essential in safeguarding your pet against common illnesses and diseases.
  • Early health concern detection — Regular wellness exams allow your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s overall health and detect any underlying health issues before they become severe. Through thorough physical exams, your vet can identify illness signs that may not be apparent to you. Early detection often leads to more effective treatment and a better prognosis.
  • Tailored health care plans — Your pet is unique, with individual needs and health concerns. Wellness visits provide an opportunity for your veterinarian to develop personalized plans for your pet’s specific requirements. Whether your pet needs dietary recommendations, exercise routines, or preventive medications, the plans your veterinarian initiates optimize your pet’s well-being.
  • Optimal weight and nutrition — Obesity is a common health issue among pets, leading to myriad health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. During wellness visits, your veterinarian can assess your pet’s weight and nutritional needs and offer guidance on proper diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
  • Behavior and emotional well-being — Regular wellness visits allow you to raise behavioral concerns with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is knowledgeable about your furry pal’s emotional or behavioral issues. During the exam, our team can provide solutions to common behavior problems such as suggestions for lifestyle, training, or medication adjustments. 

Pet wellness visits are not just routine appointments. They are essential to your pet’s continued good health. You can provide your pet with the best possible care they deserve through preventive care, early health issue detection, personalized health care plans, and promoting mental and emotional well-being. If it’s time for your pet’s wellness appointment, schedule their exam with our Skyway Animal Hospital team. We look forward to seeing you and your furry companion.