The purpose of a wellness exam is to ensure your dog is as healthy as possible. If the veterinarian notices any abnormalities or concerns during the exam, they will make recommendations for future appointments and treatments to keep your dog healthy.

A dog wellness exam typically takes around 30 minutes. This time is divided between the technician taking the dog's basic history, the veterinarian performing the examination, and discussing any test results. Some test results, like blood work, may take a day or two to come back and may be discussed at a later time.

No, wellness exams for dogs are not optional. Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian requires having a wellness exam on file. While veterinarians may still see your dog in case of an emergency, regular wellness exams are essential for monitoring your dog's health over time.

When taking your dog to a wellness exam, make sure to bring their vaccine records, any recent heartworm or fecal test results, and any blood work or urinary test results, if available. This helps the veterinarian have a complete picture of your dog's health history.

During a dog wellness exam, a veterinarian performs a head-to-tail examination. They check the dog's eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, skin, heart, lungs, and belly. They also feel for the lymph nodes and look for any signs of joint pain or other abnormalities.

First, have your pet tested for parasites at least once a year if they are an adult, or more frequently if they are a puppy. Secondly, keep your pet on preventive treatments to avoid infections in the first place. Maintain a clean environment by picking up feces and administering preventive treatments regularly. This will help reduce the risk of parasites in your pet's environment.

Natural and over-the-counter treatments are not recommended, as they can cause adverse chemical or allergic reactions in your pet. These products are not well-regulated, and it is best to consult your veterinarian for the most appropriate treatment option.

Parasitic infections can become very serious and usually do not go away on their own. Untreated infections can lead to severe illness, blood loss, and low energy in your pet. It is crucial to get the infection treated as soon as possible.

Yes, there are various prevention options available that depend on your preferences for how often you want to administer them. Preventive treatments can be given monthly or every three months and may vary in the types of parasites they cover. These preventive treatments are affordable and generally effective.

Depending on the parasite, you can contract parasites from your dog. For example, hookworms and roundworms can be transmitted to humans. To prevent infection, wash your hands thoroughly after handling pet feces, pick up feces from the yard, and wear shoes when outside. Following these guidelines should keep you safe from infection.