Routine Exams for Cats & Dogs
Our Grande Prairie vets encourage our clients to bring their pets in for annual routine exams, which focus on preventive care and health maintenance.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Routine exams play a critical role in preventing disease and helping your pet maintain excellent long-term health and well-being.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and nutritional consultations, these routine examinations entail regular physical checkups to give your pet the best chance at exceptional lifelong health.
When you bring your pet in for their regular checkup, their vet will become familiar with their medical history and be better positioned to detect health issues early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Once per year, your pet will need a thorough physical examination. This gives your vet a complete picture of your pet's health. An exam includes these elements:
General Condition
Did you know that clues to your pet's overall health and well-being can be found in their general demeanour and physical condition? We take note of how they stand and walk, their level of alertness and their weight in relation to their size.
Coat & Skin
Health issues may show up in your pet's skin and coat as lumps, bumps, dryness, excessive oiliness, shedding, abnormal hair loss or dandruff. We will check for these symptoms.
Face & Head
Oral health issues such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease can negatively affect your pet's health, so we will check for and treat these symptoms as required. We will also examine their nose, ears and eyes for discharge or abnormalities.
Internal Health
Your pet's heart health is heavily influenced by his or her heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and pulse. These will be tested to ensure they're normal. We will then check the lungs for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Because swollen or painful lymph nodes are a common symptom of illness, we will also examine these along with the abdomen to ensure the stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, spleen and kidneys all feel normal and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of pain or discomfort.
Puppies & Kittens
It is best to have your new puppy or kitten examined by a veterinarian and receive their first vaccine at 8 weeks of age.
Bring your new best friend in for a complete physical examination, deworming medication, and immunizations.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about pet ownership and care, both during your appointments and in between visits.
Seniors
Recent advances in veterinary medical care and knowledge, combined with better nutrition and newer therapies, have resulted in senior pets living longer than ever.
As your pet ages, regularly scheduled examinations become increasingly vital to helping them live a good quality of life.
Along with routine exams we perform for all adult pets, we give your senior pet's potential age-related conditions special attention. These may include decreased vision or arthritis. Additional laboratory tests will also yield more information about your pet's overall health.
Vaccinations & Prevention
Is your pet due for any routine vaccinations? Does he or she require preventive care? Your veterinarian will check on these during your pet's physical exam.