The Importance of Wellness Exams for Dogs and Cats
Pet wellness visits are a vital element of overall pet health and wellness because they give us the opportunity to create and monitor a health baseline throughout various life stages. When we first get to know your pet, these visits give us the best view of his or her “normal” when it comes to daily wellness. Keep reading to learn more about these visits and how we use them to keep your pets as healthy (and as happy) as possible.
Nose-to-Tail Checks
At the center of each and every wellness visit is the nose-to-tail check, where our team thoroughly looks over every inch of your pet. This gives the opportunity to find any lumps, bumps, scratches, or other imperfections that could indicate a more serious health issue. During our wellness exams, we will also:
- Perform detailed blood work
- Test for heartworm
- Screen for parasites
- Take X-rays and other advanced diagnostics
Wellness checks truly set your pet up for a lifetime of good health, because we have a baseline to which to compare any future visits. If something is drastically different than it was during a wellness exam, we know that we need to take a closer look.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations help us keep our pets safe from preventable diseases like rabies. At Bayside Animal Hospital, we strongly believe that vaccine schedules should be tailored to each individual animal and their health and lifestyle needs. With that being said, there are a few core vaccines we do recommend for every client. These include:
- Dog vaccines: distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus, rabies, and bordetella
- Cat vaccines: feline distemper combination, feline leukemia, and rabies
Our team will talk to you about your pet’s daily routine to get a better idea of which additional vaccines he or she might need to encourage optimal health.
Nutrition and Weight Management
Keeping your pets at a healthy weight is an integral part of maintaining their health throughout their lives. Obesity in pets can increase the risk of diseases like osteoarthritis, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even cancer. At each wellness visit, we will weigh your pet and give you tips on choosing the best food options for his or her needs.
Wellness Conversations
We love when you take an active part in your pet’s health by bringing any questions you have to your wellness visit. Whether you are unsure about a certain behavior or you want more information about what to expect at different ages, we are here for you. Feel free to write down a list of questions to ask during your next visit.
Bayside Animal Hospital is here to help you give your pets the care they need throughout every stage of life. Our experienced team loves getting to know you and your pets and providing top-tier veterinary care in and around Granite Bay, CA. Call (916) 791-8387 to learn more or to schedule your next appointment.