The Importance of Preventive Vet Checkup
Pet wellness exams are a keep component in helping your cat or dog to maintain their long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these routine examinations include regular physical checkups to give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring you dog or cat in for their routine vet checkup, you give us an opportunity to prevent health issues from developing in your pet in then first place, and to catch emerging medical issues early and at their most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Palmdale Vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical vet checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine pet wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
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 nose, eyes and ears will all be examined for any abnormalities, such as discharge. We will also assess their oral health to check for plaque buildup, tooth decay or gum 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.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Kittens and puppies require proper medical care within their first few weeks of life in order to start on the right foot.
We will provide your new pet with a comprehensive physical assessment, deworming medication and any appropriate immunizations. We will also test them for any intestinal parasites. You will be provided with a kitten or puppy 'kit' which is filled with educational materials and samples to help you to care for the newest member of your family.
Don't hesitate to contact us with any concerns or questions you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments and 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 excellent news for pets and pet owners, it does mean that your companion will require special attention and diligent routine healthcare and they continue to age. As your pet grows beyond middle age, their preventive health care will become increasingly crucial to ensuring their continued longevity and health.
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 your pet's veterinary checkup at our Palmdale animal hospital, the vet will also check whether your animal requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.