The Importance of Routine Checkups for Cats & Dogs
Regular wellness exams are critical to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
When combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition, routine physical checkups help to give your pet their best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your dog or cat in for a routine checkup, your veterinarian can help prevent health issues in your pet from developing or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During an Exam
During your pet's routine exam at Admirals Walk Pet Clinic, the veterinarian will give your dog or cat a physical checkup to get a picture of their overall health.
Your vet will also check whether your dog or cat is due for any routine vaccinations or preventive care.
After your pet's exam, your veterinarian will discuss any concerns they have about your pet's overall health and will inform you about your dog or cat's nutritional needs.
Checkups at our Victoria clinic typically include an examination of each of the following elements of your pet's health:
- General Condition
An animal's general demeanour and physical condition can provide vital clues to its overall health. How your pet stands and walks, 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, your veterinarian will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss.
- Face & Head
Your pet's checkup will include an examination of their eyes, ears, and nose. Your vet will look for any abnormalities or unusual discharge in these areas.
- Teeth & Mouth
We will check the teeth and mouth for symptoms of oral health concerns such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease to help determine if your pet requires dental care. If so, we will refer them to a veterinarian in Victoria that provides pet dental services.
- Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are essential elements of your pet's heart health. We'll check these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
If we do find signs of an issue, we will refer them to a veterinarian in Victoria that provides pet internal medicine services.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Proper medical attention for puppies and kittens during their first few weeks of life is essential to help get your pet off to a healthy start in life. Our team will examine your new pet and administer immunizations and deworming medication as needed. In addition, we will look for intestinal parasites.
Once your pet's first checkup is complete, you will need to bring them in periodically for their required booster shots.
Learn More About Puppies & Kittens
Checkups for Seniors
As pets age, regular examinations become increasingly important in ensuring their continued good health and longevity. Your veterinarian will be on the lookout for signs of potential age-related conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, or decreased vision, during your senior pet's wellness exam.
Additional lab testing may be referred out for aging pets in order to provide you with a more detailed diagnosis of your senior pet's condition and provide a targeted treatment plan.