Cat & Dog Routine Exams
Bring your pet in for a routine vet checkup at Apple Valley Animal Hospital to help ensure he or she is in good health. Our team focuses on preventive care.
The Importance of Preventive Care
To maintain excellent long-term physical health, routine exams are key.
When blended with proper nutrition, vaccinations and parasite prevention, these routine pet checkups include physical examinations to offer your pet the best chance at great lifelong health.
When you bring your pet in for their annual exam, we can take steps to prevent health issues from developing in the first place or catch them early when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your veterinarian will need to give your pet a thorough physical examination to get a complete picture of his or her general health and wellbeing. An exam will cover these elements:
General Condition
Your vet can learn a lot about your pet's overall health from his or her physical condition and general demeanour.
Their level of alertness, weight in relation to their size, and how they stand and walk are all important indicators of health.
Coat & Skin
Your pet's coat and skin will be checked for signs of problems, including bumps, lumps, abnormal hair loss or shedding, excessive oiliness or dryness, or dandruff.
Face & Head
Abnormalities or discharge from the eyes, ears, or nose can indicate a health issue.
We will check these in addition to the mouth for any sign of oral health issues such as buildup of plaque or advanced periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Blood pressure, pulse and heart rhythm, and rate are all critical to your pet's heart health. These will be tested to ensure they're normal before your vet examines the lungs for any evidence of abnormal breathing.
Since swollen or painful lymph nodes are a common indicator of an underlying health problem, these will be examined along with the bladder, stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, and kidneys to ensure they all feel normal. We check to ensure your pet is not displaying any signs of discomfort.
Puppies & Kittens
In the first few weeks after they're born, kittens and puppies need appropriate medical attention to ensure they get a healthy start.
That's why your new best buddy will receive a complete physical examination, deworming medications, and appropriate immunizations. They'll also be tested for intestinal parasites. You will also get a kitten or puppy kit full of samples and educational material to help you care for your newest family member.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your new pet's care, both during your appointments and in between visits.
Once the initial appointment has taken place, your pet will need to return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
Recent advances in veterinary medicine and knowledge, in addition to better nutrition and newer therapies, have senior pets living longer.
While we love to hear this, senior dogs and cats require special attention as their health needs mature. Regular checkups are increasingly important to ensure they remain healthy and happy.
Along with the routine wellness procedures we recommend for all adult pets, special care will be given to your senior friend's age-related condition such as decreased vision, lameness, or arthritis. Your vet can also gather valuable information about your pet's health from additional laboratory tests.
Vaccinations & Prevention
Does your pet require preventive care? During his or her physical exam, the vet will also check whether they are due for any routine vaccinations.
