Wellness Exams

Why does my pet need an annual wellness examination?

An annual wellness exam gives your veterinarian the chance to evaluate your pet's overall health and to detect problems before they turn into serious illnesses. Because your pet can't tell you in words how he is feeling, the veterinarian must rely on a thorough physical examination and your observations of your pet in order to determine if your pet is truly healthy. Based on the results of the examination, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as radiographs (x-rays) and blood tests.

As part of the wellness examinations, routine blood testing, urinalysis, and other tests are generally recommended for all pets that are considered to be in their "senior years." Some veterinarians recommend routine blood work and urinalysis before that time in order to obtain baseline values, which they can use for comparison later in your pet's life.

How often should my pet receive a wellness examination?

Because your pet ages more quickly than you do, it is essential that you take your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year and even more frequently as your pet gets older. Taking your pet to the veterinarian once a year is the same as if you were to see a physician for a physical exam only once every six to eight years. Because so much can change with regard to your pet's physical health in such a short amount of time, you can't afford to have your pet miss even one exam.

Just like people, pets need more frequent attention as they get older to prevent and treat illnesses associated with old age. Cats and dogs should visit the veterinarian for a wellness exam once a year and then every six months when they reach the senior years. Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate examination schedule for your pet.

What will happen during my pet's wellness examination?

Your veterinarian will ask several questions about your pet's health history. Be sure to mention any unusual behavior.

Some examples are:

Excessive urination
Excessive drinking of water
Excessive panting
Eating much more than usual
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive scratching
Coughing
Weight gain
Weight loss

Notes will be made on your pet's diet, on how much water your pet consumes, and on a variety of daily behavioral patterns. Other questions you can expect about your pet's health are:

Does your pet have trouble getting up in the morning?
Does your pet show any signs of weakness?
Does your pet have exercise intolerance?

Your veterinarian, a technician, or an assistant will note your pet's temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and body weight. Weight loss since your pet's last exam could indicate the early stages of a metabolic disease, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Weight is an important consideration in the health of a pet, because an extra two or three pounds can mean the difference between your pet being fit and trim or obese. Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate diet and exercise for your pet.

You'll probably be asked if your dog or cat has been shaking his head or scratching at his ears and if you have noticed any odor coming from the ears. Your pet's deep, curved ear canals provide protection for the inner ear, but these canals also are a snug home for parasites and foreign objects. Your veterinarian will take a close look to make sure nothing appears out of the ordinary.

Many conditions, such as anemia, infections, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure, jaundice, kidney problems, and allergies, are often discovered through eye examinations. A cat's past and present nutritional status can be assessed by examining the eyes. Injuries and ulcers of the eye also can be detected during examination. Your veterinarian may observe the inner structures of the eyes as well as their outward appearance.

Your veterinarian will check your pet's gums, teeth, tongue, and palate for tartar buildup, dental abnormalities, fractures, loose teeth, tumors, infections, and other problems. For example, a lack of red or pink color in the lining of the lips and gums could indicate anemia. You will learn how to care for your pet's teeth to prevent periodontal disease, which can cause bad breath and tooth loss.

Your veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen to your pet's heart and lungs. The early signs of heart disease are often recognized during a routine health exam.

Your pet's reproductive system will be examined for swellings, discharges, and breast lumps. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, your veterinarian will explain that spaying or neutering provides many health benefits beyond birth control.

The skin is the body's largest organ and a good indicator of your pet's health. Your veterinarian will examine the condition of the skin and hair as a means of detecting allergies, infections, warts, and tumors. The veterinarian will also check for fleas, ticks, other external parasites, tumors, and wounds while examining the skin.

Your veterinarian will feel the abdomen to detect irregularities such as enlarged organs, masses, or areas that are painful. Problems with the stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver, and other organs may be detected at this stage. The legs and feet of your pet will be checked. The condition of joints, muscles, lymph nodes, and nose also will be noted.

If any abnormalities are found during your pet's examination, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests to diagnose or confirm a health problem.

Do not underestimate the importance of your pet's annual wellness examination. Taking your pet to the veterinarian once a year or more means you are helping your pet live a longer and healthier life. Do your part to take care of your friend and companion!

How often should my pet be vaccinated?

Immunizing your pet against disease is one of the best tools of preventive medicine. Dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. Cats should be immunized against feline panleukopenia (distemper), rabies, herpesvirus, and calcivirus. Other vaccines may be appropriate based on where you live and on your pet's age and lifestyle.

How often you should have your pet vaccinated against certain diseases depends on many factors. Discuss these with your veterinarian to understand what is recommended for your pet's unique situation.