The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are critical to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition, these routine examinations include regular physical checkups to give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your dog or cat in for a routine checkup, we can either prevent health problems in your pet from developing or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Poway vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
The general demeanor and physical condition of your pet can provide information about their overall health. The way they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and their weight about their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
We will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, such as excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding, during their checkup.
Face & Head
The eyes, ears, and nose of your pet will be inspected for abnormalities or discharge. Additionally, we will examine the mouth for signs of oral health problems such as plaque accumulation or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure all play a critical role in your pet's cardiovascular health. We'll verify that these are normal. After that, the lungs will be examined for signs of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be examined for pain or swelling, and the abdomen will be examined to ensure that the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal and your pet is not in pain.
Review of Findings
After your pet's routine wellness exam, your veterinarian will discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and discuss your dog or cat's nutritional requirements with you.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens in Poway
Puppies and kittens require proper medical care during the first few weeks of their lives to ensure a healthy start.
We'll conduct a thorough physical examination, administer appropriate vaccinations, and administer deworming medication to your new best friend. Additionally, we will test for intestinal parasites. You'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational materials and samples to assist you in caring for your new family member.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about caring for your new pet, either during or following your appointments.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
Senior pets are living longer than ever thanks to recent advancements in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and improved nutrition.
While this is fantastic news for pets and owners alike, it does mean that special attention must be paid to your pet's routine healthcare as they age.
Regular examinations become increasingly important as your pet reaches middle age and beyond to ensure their continued health and longevity.
Along with the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will pay particular attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for senior pets to obtain more detailed information about their overall health and well-being.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary examination at our Poway animal hospital, the veterinarian will also determine whether your pet requires preventive care or is due for routine vaccinations.
