The Importance of Pet Wellness Exams
Routine wellness exams are critical in 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.
At Healthy Paws Veterinary Center, we are committed to making your pet feel comfortable while ensuring they receive the care they need. Our team is trained in the handling of anxious pets and we also have sedation options available. Please contact us for more information.
What to Expect During Your Pet Wellness Exams
Your Little Elm vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms that may require extra dental care.
Internal Health
We'll test your pet's heart rate, pulse, and blood pressure to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
We will then examine the lymph nodes and abdomen to ensure everything feels normal and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites.
Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision. Additional lab tests may be recommended to screen for specific geriatric issues.
Nutritional Consulting
Your pet's dietary requirements will change based on their age, status, breed and overall health. Because of this, we offer consulting to help you determine what food best fits their needs.
Puppies and kittens have different nutritional and dietary needs than a senior pet. As they age, seniors will need a different combination of nutrients to keep their minds and bones strong.
Many pets may also have health conditions that require unique dietary needs, such as weight issues. Your pet deserves the best possible care, and because of this, we are here to provide our knowledge and experience in choosing a diet that fulfills your pet's needs.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our Little Elm animal hospital, your vet will also let you know whether your animal is due for any routine vaccinations or preventive care.