Understanding Pet Wellness Exams
One of the most responsible things you can do as a pet owner is to schedule regular wellness exams for your pet. These exams are crucial for maintaining your pet’s health and preventing future complications that can impact your pet’s quality of life. Brazos Bend Animal Hospital in Richmond, TX, is here to tell you what to expect during this pet exam and when to schedule them.
What Is a Pet Exam?
A pet wellness exam is a regular check-up by your veterinarian to determine your pet’s overall health and catch potential problems that may cause future complications. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s current health, speak to you about issues or concerns you have, and ask you questions about your pet's diet and lifestyle. They may also provide preventative care, such as vaccinations or flea and tick preventatives.
What to Expect During a Wellness Exam
A typical pet wellness exam will involve multiple components to evaluate your pet’s health and wellness. Here is what you can expect during this pet exam:
• Physical exam: Your vet will examine your pet’s physical condition from nose to tail. Your vet will check your pet’s weight, temperature, heart rate, respiration, skin, and coat for potential health issues.
• Preventative care: Your vet may recommend vaccinations based on your pet’s age and lifestyle. They can also prescribe flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
• Dental care: Dental care is crucial to your pet’s health and happiness. Pet wellness exams allow your vet to check your pet’s teeth and gums for periodontal disease and other dental problems.
• Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations: Your vet will ask about your pet’s lifestyle and diet to ensure proper nutrition and exercise. They can then recommend foods or exercises to improve your pet’s health.
When Does My Pet Need a Wellness Exam?
The frequency of your pet’s wellness exams will depend on its age and health. Puppies and kittens should get a check-up every three or four weeks once they reach six to eight weeks old. They can then move to annual exams after reaching 16-20 weeks old. Adult pets with good health should have a pet exam every year. Senior pets may require bi-annual check-ups, depending on their health and breed. Talk with your veterinarian to determine the frequency of your pet’s wellness exams.
Schedule a Wellness Exam With Your Vet Near Me in Richmond, TX, Today
If you need to schedule your pet’s wellness exam or have questions about your pet’s overall health, contact your vet near me at Brazos Bend Animal Hospital in Richmond, TX, today. Our vet can examine your pet and provide preventative care to keep it happy and healthy in the future. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (281) 342-1117.