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 apparent medical reason. There are better ways to look after your pet, as routine visits to the animal clinic help track your pet’s development and allow your vet to spot any problems hidden underneath the surface.
Your veterinarian can diagnose or treat these problems and provide treatment or preventative measures. This is why annual checkups for your animal buddy are vital.
What does a vet do during a routine checkup?
The healthiest pets are those that regularly consult their vet, often known as wellness exams. Your pet’s health is best monitored annually so that your vet can catch any developing problems in their early, more treatable stages. On top of that, vaccinations and anti-parasite drugs are part of the top-notch preventative care provided throughout 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 upcoming checkup, here’s what vets usually do. You should visit your veterinarian for detailed guidance regarding your dog or cat checkups that can help you keep your pet healthy throughout its life.
Conduct a Physical Exam
When you take your pet to the vet’s clinic for a routine visit, your vet will review your family pet’s medical history. The vet will inquire about your pet’s diet, exercise routine, breathing, behavior, lifestyle, and health. Your vet will also undertake a full body assessment which includes the following:
- Listening closely 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 illness signs, including swelling and pain
Physical exams help vets uncover indicators of health problems, including lumps, 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. In case your pet requires a non-invasive approach to treat sprains or strains, laser cold treatment is recommended by vets if you need that type of treatment.
Perform Wellness Screening Tests
When it comes to your pet’s overall health, it’s not enough to just perform a physical exam; regular diagnostic screening is also essential. Your veterinarian can get a more in-depth look at your pet’s health by utilizing 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 an eye on any trends or changes in their test results, which can result in quicker and more timely medical diagnosis.
Keep Vaccinations Up-To-Date
Vaccines prevent pets from contracting and spreading severe infections. Your veterinarian will offer vaccination recommendations depending on where you live and your pet’s lifestyle. All pets must have basic vaccinations, and those that frequently interact with other animals should get additional booster shots against parasites.
Additionally, adult pets need booster shots to retain complete protection from diseases. Boosters are commonly administered once a year or every three years, and your vet will inform you how frequently your pet requires booster shots in advance.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your pet healthy and happy requires regular visits to the veterinarian. Proper health care makes it possible for you to dedicate more time to your pet, and there are numerous options for determining how regularly you should bring them in for a medical checkup. Vet visits for preventative care are more than just physical exams and vaccinations. They help your pet stay ahead of any medical problems and keep them along the right path.