Cat & Dog Wellness Exams at Ellenton Animal Hospital
Routine wellness exams are critical to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
When you bring your dog or cat in for routine checkups, we gain the opportunity to prevent health issues from developing in the first place - and in cases where we can't, we can still catch them early when they are most treatable and least impactful on our patients.
Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition are three pillars on which preventive medicine for your dog or cat is built, the fourth pillar is maintaining routine physical checkups with your vet, so we can keep our patients happy and healthy.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Checkup
Your Parrish vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup in order to get a complete picture of their overall health. We've outlined below a detailed breakdown of what to expect when you trust Ellenton Animal Hospital with your pet's physical
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.
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.
Nutritional Counseling
Our vets will arm you with the knowledge you need to help keep your pets in sparkling health with a well-balanced diet. During your exam, your vet will ask you about your pet's diet; what kind(s) of food they eat, how much they eat, and how often they eat.
Our vets will recommend the right diet plan for your pet following this consultation.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens in Parrish
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided 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 at Ellenton Animal Hospital
During your pet's veterinary checkup at Ellenton Animal Hospital, the vet will also check if they are due for any core vaccinations, as well as educate you on optional vaccines and parasite prevention strategies relevant to your dog or cat's lifestyle.