The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are critical to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health. Just as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and having regular physicals with your doctor helps us to keep healthy, it is the same for your pet.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these thorough routine examinations give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your dog or cat in to see us for a routine checkup, you give our vets a chance to prevent health issues from developing in your pet in the first place - or to catch them early when conditions are generally at their most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Our veterinary team will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup in order to gain a more complete picture of their overall health. At our animal hospitals, the routine exams we provide generally include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can both provide clues as to their overall health. The way your pet stands and walks, their level of alertness and whether or not they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of their overall health and well-being.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we 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 or shedding.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Your pet's lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling and we will also examine the abdomen to make sure that the bladder, kidneys, spleen, lover and stomach all feel normal and that your pet isn't showing any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take some time to speak with you about any concerns they may have about your companion's overall health and ask you about your cat or dog's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start.
We will give your new best friend a comprehensive physical examination, any appropriate immunizations and deworming medications. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You will be provided with a kit of informational materials, education and product samples to help your puppy or kitten get started on the right foot.
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 puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During a routine pet checkup at one of our three Southern Wisconsin animal hospitals, our vets will also check in on whether or not your pet requires preventive care or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.