Bringing in your pets regularly for wellness exams provides your veterinarian the opportunity to evaluate their overall health, develop detailed histories on their condition and identify problems before they turn into a serious illness. At North Pines Animal Hospital we recommend annual visits for all pets for the first five years of life and senior care exams every six months for pets over the age of five. The following are examples of what to expect at your next wellness exam.
Comprehensive Physical Exam
An annual physical exam can help identify problems before they become serious. We will evaluate your pet’s weight, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, hydration and physical condition. During the physical exam you will be asked a variety of questions, be sure to mention any unusual behaviors including:
- Excessive drinking or eating
- Eating less than usual
- Excessive urination, diarrhea or vomiting
- Excessive panting
- Excessive scratching
- Weight gain
- Coughing
- Difficulty getting up or walking
Vaccinations
Along with regular physical exams a routine vaccination program is the best thing that can be done to provide your pet with a long healthy life. At North Pines Animal Hospital we have vaccine protocols available with options to meet you and your pet’s lifestyle and budget. As a standard we offer three year vaccines for Rabies, Distemper Parvo and FVRCP and two year vaccines for Feline Leukemia which provides the proper protection for your animals with the least amount of vaccines possible.
Routine Testing
Your pet’s wellness exam will include routine blood tests, fecal tests and urinalysis to help identify abnormalities and detect parasites. Treatments for many common conditions are readily available onsite and can be administered the same day.
Senior Wellness
Much like humans, as our feline and canine companions age they experience changes in their health that should be monitored and managed. Through physical exams and testing, common diseases such as heart, liver and kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, and a variety of hormonal, metabolic and neurological conditions can be identified and treatments administered to help prolong and improve the quality of your pet’s life.
Nutrition and Medication Products
During the course of your visit, our veterinarians will advise you on a proper diet and medications for your pet. North Pines Animal Hospital recommends Hills Science Diet, Royal Canin and Purina products for normal and prescription diet needs. Medications for common parasites in our area such as heart worms, fleas and ticks should also be regularly administered to your pet. Many products are available at our hospital to help ensure your pet remains active and healthy.