Why do we need to take our pets to the vet regularly? A common belief among pet owners is that pets should not be taken to the doctor unless there is an obvious medical problem. There are better ways to take care of your pet, as routine visits to the animal clinic help track your pet’s development and allow your vet to spot any problems that may be hidden beneath the surface.
Your vet can diagnose or treat these complications and provide treatment or preventive measures. This is why yearly examinations for your animal buddy are essential.
What does a vet do during a routine checkup?
The healthiest pets regularly consult their vet, commonly referred to as wellness exams. Your pet’s health is best monitored annually to ensure that your veterinarian can catch any developing problems in their early, more treatable stages. In addition, vaccinations and anti-parasite medications are part of the high-quality preventative treatment given during regular checkups for your precious pet.
Money and time spent on wellness exams for your pet pay off in the form of a long, healthy, and well-balanced life for them. So when you take your pet in for their next appointment, here’s what vets usually do. You can visit websites such as collegeanimalhospital.com to learn more about how veterinarians maintain pets’ overall health.
Conduct a Physical Exam
When you take your pet to the vet’s office for a routine visit, your vet will review your pet’s medical history. The vet will inquire about your pet’s diet plan, exercise routine, breathing, behavior, lifestyle, and health. Your vet will also undertake a complete body analysis which includes the following:
- Listening to your pet’s lungs and heart
- Checking their posture, movement, and weight
- Examining the eyes, coat, skin, nails, feet, ears, and teeth
- Palpating your pet’s belly to inspect their internal organs
- Checking for health problem signs, including swelling and pain
Physical exams help vets uncover indicators of health problems, including tumors, skin allergies, or ear infections. Moreover, your vet may offer vaccinations, parasite prevention, or weight management based on your pet’s medical history and physical evaluation.
Perform Wellness Screening Tests
When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s not enough to perform a physical examination; regular diagnostic testing is also essential. Your vet can get a more detailed look at your pet’s health using diagnostic testing like blood work, X-rays, urinalysis, and fecal exams. Furthermore, your veterinarian will better understand how your pet is doing over time by keeping track of any patterns or changes in their test results, which can result in quicker and more timely medical diagnosis.
Keep Vaccinations Up-To-Date
Vaccines help prevent pets from contracting and spreading severe infections. Your vet will provide vaccination suggestions depending on where you live and your pet’s lifestyle. All pets must get basic vaccinations, and those that frequently interact with other animals should receive additional vaccinations.
Additionally, adult pets require booster shots to retain full protection from diseases. Boosters are commonly administered once a year or every three years, and your vet is going to notify you how frequently your pet requires booster shots in advance. It’s best to check with a vet if you have a little cat that needs extra kitten shots to keep it healthy and protected from disease.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your pet in a healthy condition and happy requires regular visits to the veterinarian. Proper health care allows you to allot more time for your pet, and there are several alternatives for determining how regularly you should bring them in for a checkup. Vet visits for preventative care are more than just physical examinations and vaccinations. They help your pet stay ahead of any medical issues and keep them on the right track.
