Do you have an annual physical yourself? Just a check-up with your doctor to make sure all is well, and to maybe get some basic blood work done? We hope you do, and if you don’t… you should!!
An annual wellness check for your pet is of equal importance. Regular check-ups help your pets stay healthy, and live full, happy lives.
Depending on their age, lifestyle, and daily activities, most pets should have a a comprehensive wellness exam at least once a year. Senior dogs and cats should be seen twice a year. It’s much better to prevent an illness, or catch a disease early rather than treat an advanced condition that has gone unnoticed.
Preventive health care in the form of regular wellness checks can save your pet from discomfort or worse, needless suffering, and it can save you from a larger $$$ bill later down the line. As they move through their life-cycle, a pet’s needs change. Regular vet visits help us keep on top of those needs.
What’s included in an annual wellness check?
Dr. Schelle will examine your pet from nose to tail! We will ask you about any concerns you have or changes you’ve noticed, or if their behavior has changed. Their ears and eyes will be checked, and their mouth and teeth will be inspected.
Then Dr. Schelle will move on to his/her heart and lungs, listening for any abnormalities or problems. We will ask about any breathing issues, or anything out of the ordinary you’ve noticed.
Their skin and coat is checked thoroughly. We will ask about and signs of allergies, such as licking or chewing…or scooting on their butt! The doctor is looking for lumps, bumps, hot spots, hair loss, pigment changes, and anal sac problems.
We will check their joints and flexibility, looking for any abnormalities or discomfort in the movement of those joints.
We will talk about their exercise regime; how often and how far they got walked or taken to dog parks, and any changes you’ve noticed in their ability to walk, move, run, play! Dr. Schelle will check their paws and legs, checking out the length of their nails, and whether a nail trim is needed.
Because they can’t tell us themselves, your observations of your pet’s health and behavior is a very important part of the exam. Be sure to mention any changes you’ve noticed in your pet’s behavior or temperament. We will ask about their drinking habits, their potty habits, and their appetite. Dogs, especially, love routine; a change in their daily habits may be the first indicator of an underlying disease or condition that requires our attention, monitoring, or treatment.
In dogs we will often suggest an annual blood test to check for heartworm disease, and a fecal test to check their poop for a variety of worms and parasites. You will especially want this last one if your dog is a face licker! The American Heartworm Society advises all adult dogs being started on a heartworm preventive for the first time should be tested.
Vaccinations & Blood Tests
Vaccinations are an important part of animal wellness and disease prevention. Vaccinating your pet against the most common illnesses and diseases is always preferable to treating them for an illness that could have been prevented by a shot. These are the most common vaccinations, but other vaccines can be ordered upon owner request in consultation with Dr. Schelle.
- Rabies
- Da2pp – Distemper, Adenovirus types 1&2, Parvo and Parainfluenza.
- Bordetella
- Felv- Feline leukemia virus
- FVRCP- Feline viral rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia.
Contact Compassionate Animal Care today
Wellness exams, medical exams, quality of life exams, and heath certification are all available at our Queen Creek vet clinic, and in your own home through our mobile vet visits (COVID protocols apply) in the East Valley.
To schedule your pet’s next wellness exam, please contact us online or call 480.774.6995 to book an appointment at your home, or at our Queen Creek veterinary office.
