Routine pet exams from our vets at Pekin Veterinary Clinic focus on preventive care. These routine exams help ensure your pet is in good health.
The Importance of Preventive Care
To help your pet maintain good long-term physical health, it's imperative that they come in for regular routine exams.
Combined with their necessary vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, your cat's or dog's routine examination includes a physical checkup to give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your pet in for their regular exam, we're able to prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or detect and treat them early.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
The vet will thoroughly examine your pet to get a complete picture of his or her general physical health. The exam will include these elements:
General Condition
Your pet's physical condition and general demeanour can offer clues to their overall health. Your vet will watch their level of alertness, how they stand and walk, and their weight, as these are all important indicators of health in cats and dogs.
Coat & Skin
Your pet's coat and skin will be inspected for problems, including dryness or excessive oiliness, dandruff, shedding, abnormal hair loss or lumps and bumps.
Face & Head
The vet will examine your pet's nose, eyes and ears for signs of discharge or other abnormalities. Their mouth will also be checked for symptoms of oral health problems such as periodontal disease or plaque buildup.
Internal Health
Your pet's heart health can be impacted by blood pressure, pulse, heart rhythm and rate.
Your vet will test each of these to ensure they're normal, then examine the lungs for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Since swollen or painful lymph nodes are often a symptom of health conditions, we will examine these along with the abdomen to ensure the spleen, stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and bladder all feel normal, and that your pet is not displaying any signs of discomfort.
Puppies & Kittens
In the first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens need proper medical attention to ensure they get off to a healthy start.
Your new best friend will receive a thorough physical exam, deworming medication, and appropriate immunizations. We'll also test for parasites and you'll receive a puppy or kitten kit filled with educational material and samples to help you care for your newest four-legged family member.
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 pet's initial appointment is complete, you'll return every so often for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
Recent advances in veterinary care and medical knowledge, along with better nutrition and newer therapies have resulted in our senior pets living longer than ever. While this is definitely cause for celebration, as your pet ages regular examinations become increasingly important to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
All adult pets get their routine preventive care, and special attention is given to potential age-related conditions your senior pet may be experiencing, such as decreased vision or arthritis. Additional laboratory tests will also reveal valuable information about your pet's overall health.
Vaccinations & Prevention
While your vet is performing your pet's physical exam, they will also check whether they need preventive care, or if they may be due for any routine vaccinations.