Cat & Dog Wellness Exams
At Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital, our routine exams are highly focused on preventative care. Regularly scheduled routine exams with our vets help to keep your pet in good health.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are critical to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these routine examinations include regular physical checkups to give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring in your pet for a routine wellness exam, you give our veterinary team the opportunity to prevent health issues from even developing in your pet in the first place, or to catch them early, when they are at their most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Our vets will give your dog or cat a throughout examination at their checkup in order to get a clear picture of your pet's overall health. A physical exam includes the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's behavior and general demeanor can indicate their overall health to our vets. The way they walk, stand and their level of alertness can all show our vets how your pet is feeling.
Coat & Skin
We will check your pet's skin and coat for any signs of health issues such as excessive dandruff, shedding, oiliness, dryness, or lumps and bumps.
Face & Head
We will examine your pet's nose, ears and eyes for discharge or other abnormalities. We will also keep an eye out for symptoms of oral health issues like tartar, periodontal disease or tooth decay.
Internal Health
Your pet's heart rate, rhythm, pulse and blood pressure are all very important indicators of your pet's heart's health for our vets. We will test and monitor all of these in order to ensure they are regular. We will also check your pet's breathing for signs of lung issues.
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.
Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens require proper medical attention during their first weeks of life to get them started on the right foot.
We will provide a complete physical exam, proper immunizations and deworming medications for your new family member. We will also test them for internal parasites. You will be given a package of information about your new puppy or kitten's health, including educational materials and samples of products to help your care for your young companion.
Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.
Once your pet's initial appointment is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advancements in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as in therapies and nutrition, our pets are now living longer than they ever have before.
And they age, your pet will require routine examination more frequently, as preventative and proactive care become more important than ever.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential age-related conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision. Additional laboratory tests will also provide information about your pet's overall health.
Behavioral Training
While each pet has their own unique personality, sometimes the way they express that personality can be either disruptive, destructive, or even dangerous. At Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital, we are able to provide you with consultations and referrals for behavioral training for your pet.