As caring and responsible pet owners, we want to ensure that we are doing everything possible to keep our pets healthy and happy. One important aspect of animal care that is often overlooked is the importance of regular wellness exams.
 

Why are regular wellness exams important?

Many of us are used to going to visit our doctor when we are unwell, but fail to realise that regular wellness examinations can actually help to prevent many health problems from occurring in the first place. The same can be said for our pets. Unfortunately, a large number of pet owners avoid taking their animal to the veterinarian as much as possible, fearing possible stress and expensive bills. However, early diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions can actually help to prevent them from becoming more severe, and consequently more extensive and expensive to manage. This is of course in addition to the worsening effects on your pet’s health, which often include pain and debilitating symptoms.
 

How often does my pet need a wellness examination?

The frequency with which your pet needs a wellness examination will usually depend on his age. Most veterinarians recommend that a pet receives a wellness examination at least once every 12 months. However, if your pet is over the age of 9, this makes them ‘senior’ in pet years and you should increase the wellness examination appointments to six-monthly.
 

What happens during a wellness examination?

A wellness examination is a thorough analysis of your pet’s health and wellbeing, and comprises of many different elements. The order in which they are performed may vary, but you can expect them to include:

-         A verbal conversation about your pet. Your vet will ask you about your animal’s general health, their diet and what regular activity they do.

-         Taking your animal’s temperature, pulse rate and respiration rates.

-         A head to tail analysis, including his ears, eyes, mouth, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, abdomen and musculoskeletal exam.
 

Many veterinarians will also perform a dental examination, as your pet’s oral health can also impact on his general wellbeing.

Other additional care that may be given during your pet’s wellness examination include any immunizations that are required, heartworm testing and parasite screening. If necessary, your vet may also perform blood tests.

 

Regular wellness examinations can help animals to live a long, healthy and happy life. Contact Manson Veterinary Clinic and speak to our veterinarian today and schedule one for your pet.