The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are a critical component of helping your pet to maintain their good 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 bringing your cat or dog in for their routine checkup, we are able to prevent health issues from developing in your pet before they ever arise, or catch them and start care when they are at their most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your veterinarian will give your cat or dog a checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and condition can give us important clues about their overall health and well-being. Your pet's awareness of the world around them, their weight compared to their size and breed, and the way they stand and walk can all help us understand their overall well-being.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup at our veterinary hospital, we will take care to examine your cat or dog's skin and coat for signs of issues, including either excessive dryness or oiliness, dandruff, abnormal hair loss and shedding or lumps and bumps.
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 some time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and well-being. We will also talk to you about your cat or dog's nutritional requirements for their optimal health.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start.
We will provide your new best friend with a comprehensive physical examination, deworming medications and appropriate immunizations. We will also test for intestinal parasites. When you bring your new pet in to see us, we will provide you 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 dog or cat's check up with us at Cumberland Animal Hospital, our vets will also check in on whether your companion needs any preventive care or routine vaccinations.