Physical Examinations

Your pet will benefit greatly from regular wellness examinations. Whether your pet is a youngster, a “senior citizen,” or any age in between, wellness examinations provide an excellent opportunity for the veterinarian to conduct a thorough physical examination and develop a health profile for your pet. This information will assist with identifying medical problems and any other issues which may affect your pet’s health and quality of life.

A wellness examination includes an evaluation from nose to tail and includes listening o the heart & lungs and feeling your pet’s abdomen to make sure internal organs are in the right place and to feel for any abnormalities and checking your pet’s teeth, eyes, and ears. We utilize the wellness visit to ask questions about your pet’s behavior, appetite, exercise habits, and regular activities at home. This is also an excellent time to update vaccines, discuss any routine diagnostic testing and surgical procedures that may benefit your pet. If your pet seems healthy, a wellness examination is a good opportunity to note any changes, such as weight gain or loss or other subtle changes that may not be evident at home. Sometimes, information obtained during a wellness examination can help detect early signs of illness and address health issues before they progress.

A wellness examination is also the opportunity to address your questions or concerns about your pet. We welcome your questions. No question is too small or too silly, and it is our pleasure to address your concerns. We strive to help you understand your pet’s health considerations, and we encourage you to be informed and involved in decisions regarding your pet’s health care.

Finally, wellness examinations help establish a relationship with you and your pet. Through your pet’s physical examinations, other wellness procedures, and our consultations with you, we get to know your pet and learn about his or her lifestyle, personality, health risks, home environment, and other important information. We encourage you to use wellness examinations to take an active role in your pet’s health care.