The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are essential to helping your pet maintain good health and high quality of life.
Used in conjunction with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition, these routine examinations include regular physical checkups to allow your pet the best opportunity at exceptional lifelong health and ideal performance.
When we see your dog or cat for their routine checkup, we can prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early when they can be most effectively treated.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Fort Worth vet can conduct a thorough physical checkup on your dog or cat to capture a complete picture of his or her general health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic cover these elements:
General Condition
Your pet's overall physical condition and general demeanor can yield valuable insights into its overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size can all point to their overall health status.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, the vet will examine your cat or dog's coat and skin for issues including lumps, bumps, excessive oiliness or dryness, shedding, dandruff or abnormal hair loss.
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.
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 their first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens require close monitoring and medical attention to ensure they get off to a healthy start.
We'll perform a comprehensive physical examination for your new best friend. They'll also receive appropriate immunizations and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites.
Your veterinarian will take time to share tips and offer useful guidance on caring for your newest family member.
Have questions or concerns about caring for your new pet? Please never hesitate to contact us, both during your appointments or between 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 well-being.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our Fort Worth animal hospital, the vet will also check whether your animal requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.