The Importance of Pet Check Ups
Routine exams are critical to helping your pet maintain excellent long-term physical health.
Combined with proper nutrition, regular vaccinations and parasite prevention, these routine examinations involve regular physical checkups to allow your pet the best opportunity at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your dog or cat in for their routine pet check up, we can keep health issues from developing in your pet, or detect them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
To gain insight into your dog or cat's overall health, your Fremont veterinarian will give your pet a thorough physical checkup. Routine exams at our animal clinic include these elements:
General Condition
Your pet's physical condition and general demeanor can offer 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 general health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, your dog or cat's skin and coat will be examined for signs of problems, including shedding or abnormal hair loss, lumps, bumps, excessive dryness or oiliness or dandruff.
Face & Head
We will inspect your pet's ears, eyes and nose for abnormalities or discharge. The mouth will also be checked for symptoms of oral health issues such as periodontal disease or plaque buildup.
Internal Health
Heart rhythm and rate, blood pressure and pulse are each vitally important to your pet's heart health.
These will be tested to ensure they're normal. The lungs will also be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be examined for pain or swelling. The abdomen will also be checked to ensure the bladder, liver, spleen, intestines, stomach and kidneys all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
To finish your pet's routine exam, your vet will take time to address any concerns they may have about your pet's general health and talk to you about your cat or dog's nutritional requirements.
Kitty & Puppy Checkups
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family.
Please never hesitate to 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.
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 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
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our animal hospital in Fremont, the vet will also look into whether your animal needs preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.
