Preventive Care: Cat & Dog Checkups
Helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health is about more than having conditions treated early. With routine cat and dog checkups, we can prevent health issues from developing or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
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 health throughout their lives.
Your pet will receive a thorough nose-to-tail exam from one of our vets, who will take their health history into account, note any changes in conditions, diagnose issues and review their findings with you.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical Exam
Your dog or cat will receive a thorough physical checkup from one of our vets in Houston County. With these routine exams, your vet can capture a complete picture of your pet's general health. Exams at our animal hospital include these elements:
General Condition
Did you know your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can give us clues to their overall health? Their level of alertness, how they stand and walk, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of physical health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, the vet will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of issues or concerns, including excessive dryness or oiliness, abnormal hair loss or shedding, dandruff, bumps and lumps.
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.
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 in Houston County
In their first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens need proper medical attention to ensure they have a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations and deworming medication. Your pet will also be tested for intestinal parasites. You'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' full of educational material and samples to help you care for your newest family member.
Please 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.
Checkups for Senior Pets in Houston County
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
As part of your pet's veterinary checkup, your vet will determine whether your animal needs preventive care at one of our Houston County animal hospitals, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.