Why do we need to bring our beloved pets to the vet regularly? A common belief among pet owners is that pets should not be taken to the doctor unless there is an obvious medical concern. There are better ways to look after your pet, as routine trips to the animal clinic help track your pet’s development and make it possible for your vet to spot any problems that may be hidden beneath the surface.
Your veterinarian can diagnose or treat these complications and provide treatment or preventive measures. This is why yearly examinations for your animal buddy are essential.
What does a vet do during a routine checkup?
The healthiest pets are those that regularly consult their veterinarian, often referred to as cat or dog wellness exams. Your pet’s health is best monitored annually to ensure that your veterinarian can catch any developing problems in their early, more treatable stages. In addition, vaccinations and anti-parasite medications are part of the top-notch preventative care given throughout regular checkups for your beloved pet.
Time and money spent on wellness exams for your pet pay off in the form of a long, healthy, and well-balanced life for them. So when you take your pet in for their upcoming appointment, here’s what vets normally do.
Conduct a Physical Exam
When you take your pet to the veterinarian’s clinic for a routine visit, your vet will review your pet dog’s medical history. The vet will inquire about your pet’s diet plan, exercise, breathing, behavior, lifestyle, and health. Your vet will also undertake a complete body assessment which includes the following:
- Listening to your pet’s lungs and heart
- Checking their posture, mobility, and weight
- Examining the eyes, coat, skin, nails, feet, ears, and teeth
- Palpating your pet’s stomach to check their internal organs
- Checking for illness indications, including swelling and pain
Physical exams aid vets uncover indicators of health problems, including lumps, skin allergies, or ear infections. Additionally, your vet may offer vaccinations, parasite protection, or weight management based on your pet’s medical history and physical evaluation. On the other hand, if you are looking for a non-invasive procedure for treating painful injuries in pets, vets recommend laser treatment for dogs as the most effective procedure because of its rapid healing properties.
Perform Wellness Screening Tests
When it comes to your pet’s overall health, it’s not enough to conduct a physical exam; regular diagnostic screening is also essential. Your veterinarian can get a more in-depth look at your pet’s health using diagnostic testing like blood work, X-rays, urinalysis, and fecal exams. Furthermore, your veterinarian will better grasp how your pet is doing over time by keeping an eye on any patterns or changes in their test results, which can result in quicker and more timely medical diagnosis.
Keep Vaccinations Up-To-Date
Vaccines help prevent pets from contracting and spreading severe infections. Your vet will provide vaccination recommendations depending on where you live and your pet’s lifestyle. All pets should get basic vaccinations, and those that frequently interact with other pets should receive additional vaccinations.
Additionally, adult pets require booster shots to retain complete protection from illnesses. Boosters are typically administered once a year or every three years, and your veterinarian will notify you how frequently your pet requires booster shots in advance. If you have a little dog that requires additional puppy shots to stay healthy, consult with your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your pet healthy and happy requires regular trips to the veterinarian. Proper healthcare allows you to dedicate more time to your pet, and there are numerous options for determining how regularly you need to bring them in for a checkup. Vet visits for preventative care are more than just physical exams and vaccinations. They help your pet stay ahead of any medical issues and keep them on the right track.
