Don't Fall Behind On Your Pet's Preventative Care
Most people would never consider missing their own doctor’s annual checkup because they know how important it can be to their health and the early detection of possible medical issues. Just like their owners, pets need routine checkups too.
A lot of pet owners only take their pet to the clinic if there is a suspected injury or sickness. Regular checkups help us follow your pet’s growth progress and check for underlying conditions that could offer problems later in life. If your dog or cat has an issue that would otherwise go undetected, we can often spot a problem early, before it becomes serious.
Aside from the usual vaccinations for dogs and cats, a routine “nose-to-tail” physical is recommended for your pet at least once a year. Senior or adult pets should be examined every 6 months. During this exam we check your pet’s mouth, teeth, ears, eyes, skin, coat, and test a sample of your pet's stool for parasites (such as whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms). A careful evaluation of the abdomen is also conducted to check for unusual lumps or bladder problems. For senior pets, we also check for signs of arthritis or other joint problems.
A blood sample is an important measure we conduct during your pet’s exam. This will show us your dog's hydration status, anemia, infection, blood clotting ability and immune system response. Additionally, blood tests for dogs can also identify:
- Glucose
- Proteins
- Electrolytes
- Cholesterol
- Endocrine Levels
- Digestive Enzymes
Annual (or semi-annual) exams also help us evaluate your pet’s weight and dietary intake. By keeping detailed records of your pet’s weight, we can tell you when it’s time to act. Diet and nutrition are an important part of keeping your pet healthy and preventing or managing certain diseases. Your pet’s specific nutritional needs are based on age, weight, activity level, and medical condition. We can provide sound nutritional counseling to help keep your pet healthy throughout its life.
Keep in mind, our pets will age faster than we do. It’s just a fact. That means medical conditions can arise much sooner, making routine exams more important. Some pet breeds are also more susceptible to medical conditions such as dental, joint, breathing issues, and cancer; just to name a few.
We know how much you love your pets…because we have pets too. That’s why we make sure all our furry friends get a thorough exam with all the care and attention we give our own pets. If your pet hasn’t had a routine exam lately, call 967-7383 to schedule their visit.
Sincerely,
Julie Grimes, DVM
Melissa Joseph Miller, DVM
