The Importance of Pet Check Ups
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 Check Up
Your dog or cat will receive a thorough physical examination from your Elk Grove veterinarian in order to obtain a complete picture of his or her overall health. The following items are included in our animal clinic's routine wellness exams:
General Condition
The general demeanor and physical condition of your pet can reveal information about their overall health. The way they stand and walk, how alert they are, and whether they are a healthy weight for 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 examined for any abnormalities or discharge. We'll also look for signs of oral health issues like plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
The heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure of your pet are all critical to his or her heart health. We'll run some tests to make sure they're all right. 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 are all normal and that 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
To get off to a healthy start, puppies and kittens require medical attention during their first few weeks of life.
We'll give your new best friend a thorough physical exam, as well as the necessary vaccinations and deworming medication. We'll also check for parasites in the intestine. You'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' containing 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 your appointments or afterward.
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 lives than ever before, thanks to recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition.
While this is fantastic news for pets and their owners, it also means that your pet's routine healthcare needs to be given special attention as they age.
Regular examinations become increasingly important as your pet approaches middle age to ensure their continued health and longevity.
We will pay special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision, in addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets.
Additional laboratory tests for aging pets may be advised in order to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and well-being.
Vaccinations & Prevention at Bruceville Pet Hospital
During your pet's veterinary examination at our Elk Grove animal hospital, the veterinarian will also determine whether your pet requires preventive care or is due for routine vaccinations.
New Patients Welcome at Bruceville Pet Hospital
We are happily accepting new patients at our conveniently located Elk Grove veterinary clinic! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of companion animals. Reach out today to book your pet's first appointment.