Yes, even if your cat appears healthy, it is essential to have wellness exams since cats are skilled at hiding symptoms. During a checkup, a veterinarian might detect a hidden health issue through a simple examination of the heart, lungs, or abdomen. Therefore, annual wellness exams play a crucial role in your cat's overall health.

Yes, kittens require more frequent exams during their first few months of life as they are rapidly growing and developing. These visits ensure that everything is changing and maturing at the right pace. Additionally, kittens need booster vaccinations to build proper immunity for adulthood.

Yes, when cats are young and in their kitten stages, they need more frequent exams and vaccinations. As they get older and reach their senior years, it is a good idea to have wellness checks every six months since their health can change more rapidly.

Ideally, your cat should have a wellness exam once a year, similar to how you would go to your doctor for a physical exam. Annual checkups are optimal for maintaining your cat's health.

Baseline diagnostic tests include blood work and urine testing. Blood work checks red and white blood cells, glucose levels, kidney function, electrolytes, protein levels, liver values, pancreatic function, and thyroid function. Urine tests help detect urinary tract infections, crystals, and other issues. Heartworm and tick-borne disease tests may also be performed during routine wellness exams to ensure the dog's overall health.

The wellness exam's findings will determine the course of action for treating any issues that may arise. For example, if a urinary tract infection is discovered, antibiotics may be prescribed, or if coughing is detected, x-rays might be taken to explore further. The specific treatments will depend on the individual dog and the conditions found during the exam.

Dog wellness exams typically take about 30 minutes, which allows adequate time for the technician to gather a full history, the doctor to perform the exam, administer any necessary vaccines, and answer any questions you may have.

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.