The annual wellness test for your pet is often known as a ‘checkup.’ If your dog is healthy, these examinations occur once or twice a year. Routine examinations focus on disease prevention and early detection to promote your pet’s health. Periodically bringing your healthy dog to the veterinarian enables him to monitor his health and detect early signs of sickness.
What does a pet check-up cover?
See for yourself the following aspects that are included in routine wellness checks.
Vaccinations
Your veterinarian should provide a vaccination schedule for puppies or remind you when your dog’s immunizations are due. Distemper, leptospirosis, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and Bordetella vaccinations are required (kennel cough). Rabies vaccination is required under the ‘Pet Passport’ program to travel with a dog.
Parasite treatment.
Controlling ticks, fleas, and worms is another instance when prevention is superior to treatment. Remember that fleas and their larvae can remain in your home and yard throughout the year, and ticks can transmit disease. Your veterinarian can offer advice on preventing fleas and ticks, tapeworm, and, if necessary, lungworm.
Treatment and prevention of bad behavior.
During your dog’s annual examination, emphasize any odd or withdrawn behavior, such as excessive barking, biting, or chewing your shoes while you turn your back. If detected early on, these are typically controllable. Your vet may be capable of supplying you with useful advice or referring you to a qualified behaviorist. If your dog is a puppy, your veterinarian may offer puppy training sessions in your area.
Neutering
Neutering is one of the most crucial considerations when thinking about how to care for your dog. If you adopted an older dog, he or she has already been neutered. Still, imagine you have a puppy or an adult dog that has not been neutered. In such a circumstance, veterinary surgical specialists can educate you on the advantages of neutering and the necessary aftercare to keep your dog healthy and content.
Dental treatment.
Your veterinarian will also inspect your dog’s teeth to determine if and when they require dog or cat teeth extraction. Tooth care is particularly critical for senior dogs, as dental disease can cause discomfort and internal organ issues due to harmful germs. This dental examination is also ideal for discussing your at-home teeth-cleaning regimen with your veterinarian. Another instance where prevention is preferable to treatment.
Weight and physical condition.
Obesity is an all-too-common problem in dogs, so take advantage of every opportunity to weigh your dog on the vet’s scales and examine your furry friend’s body condition at home. There are ways to assist an overweight dog. Consult your veterinarian about a diet and exercise regimen, or inquire about a weight loss program at your veterinary clinic. If your dog has lost weight since the last time they were weighed, it could be a sign of a health problem.
To Sum It Up
After completing the checkup and administering the annual immunizations, your veterinarian will discuss any findings. If your veterinarian detects any symptoms of disease or damage, he or she will discuss further diagnostics or available treatments with you. Assume that your dog or cat has a clean bill of health. In such a circumstance, your veterinarian may offer recommendations or guidance regarding your pet’s nutrition and activity regimen, oral health, and parasite avoidance.
