No, wellness exams for dogs should not be considered optional. Like humans, it is essential for dogs to visit the veterinarian at least once a year, or every six months when they reach their senior years.

Bring any relevant information about your pet to the wellness exam, such as the type of food they eat, current preventatives, and any medications they are taking. Your veterinarian may also request a fecal sample to test for intestinal parasites and a urine sample to check for urinary tract infections.

During a dog wellness exam, a veterinarian examines the entire pet, focusing on the eyes, ears, teeth, and lymph nodes. They listen to the dog's heart and lungs, examine the abdomen for any discomfort or organ changes, and inspect the skin for lesions, wounds, and parasites. Additionally, they check the dog's joints and range of motion for any soreness or limping. Blood work and urine tests may also be conducted as part of the exam.

It is natural for pet owners to be concerned about anesthesia risks. Veterinarians do everything they can to minimize these risks by conducting a thorough evaluation of the cat before the procedure. This includes full lab work and a pre-surgical EKG to check for any cardiac concerns. If any issues are found, further investigations are carried out before proceeding with anesthesia. If you have more questions or concerns, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.

Pain medications are necessary to provide relief after any painful or extraction procedures in the cat's mouth. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are prescribed less frequently and are only necessary if there is a severe infection, an abscess, or extensive surgical procedures performed in the mouth.

No, anesthesia is crucial for protecting the cat's airway during the dental procedure. The cleaning process involves a scaler with a lot of water, just like at a human dental appointment. Since cats cannot be taught not to swallow or inhale the water, an endotracheal tube is placed in their throat to protect their airway while under anesthesia.

Anesthesia is necessary for cat dental procedures because it allows the veterinarian to perform potentially painful actions, use water for cleaning and polishing without the risk of the cat inhaling it, and take full x-rays of the cat's mouth. If extractions are required, full anesthesia is especially important.

While there are some toys that cats will play with that can help improve dental health, brushing their teeth remains the most effective method for maintaining good oral hygiene. It's essential to prioritize brushing your cat's teeth to provide the best dental care for your pet.

Cats can indeed get cavities, which are often referred to as resorptive lesions in cats. These lesions are different from traditional cavities in humans, as they involve erosion of the enamel and dentin, exposing the inside of the tooth. This can be very painful for cats. Resorptive lesions can be identified during a routine wellness exam or a special visit if your cat is experiencing discomfort.

Yes, you should still brush your cat's teeth even if you provide them with dental treats. Dental treats can help improve dental health, but brushing their teeth is the most effective way to maintain good oral hygiene for your cat.