The Importance of Pet Annual Exams
Wellness examinations are essential for your pet's long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these routine examinations include regular physical checkups to give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your dog or cat in for a routine checkup, we can either prevent health problems from developing or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
Your pet's diet is also an important part of their overall health. Our vets will review what they feed and give you advice on how to make it healthier or more nutritious for your animal friend!
What to Expect During Pet Checkup at Westfield Animal Hospital
To get an overall picture of your dog or cat's health, your Westfield vet will perform a thorough physical examination on them. Our animal clinic's routine wellness exams consist of the following components:
General Condition
The general demeanor and physical condition of your pet can provide information about their overall health. The way they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and their weight in relation to their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's exam, we will look for abnormal hair loss or shedding, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or excessive oiliness or dryness.
Face & Head
The eyes, ears, and nose of your pet will be checked for abnormalities or discharge. We'll also look for signs of oral health issues like plaque buildup or periodontal disease in your mouth.
Internal Health
The heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure of your pet are all critical to his or her heart health. We'll run some tests to make sure they're all right. After that, the lungs will be examined for signs of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be examined for pain or swelling, and the abdomen will be examined to ensure that the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach are all normal and that your pet is not in pain.
Nutrition
Did you know that what your pet eats is an important indicator of their overall health? This includes deciding which commercial diet fits the animal's needs for a complete and balanced diet. If they are overweight, underweight, or suffering from chronic disease, we can recommend feeding schedules to help manage weight appropriately!
Review of Findings
The conclusion of your pet's routine wellness examination will include a discussion with your veterinarian about any concerns they have about your pet's overall health and the nutritional needs of your dog or cat.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens require proper medical care during the first few weeks of their lives to ensure a healthy start.
We'll conduct a thorough physical examination, administer appropriate vaccinations, and administer deworming medication to your new best friend. Additionally, we will test for intestinal parasites. You'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational materials and samples to assist you in caring for your new family member.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about caring for your new pet, either during or following your appointments.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
Senior pets are living longer than ever thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, new therapies, and better nutrition.
This is great news for pets and their owners, but it also means that your pet's routine healthcare needs to change as they age.
Regular exams are essential for your pet's health and longevity as they reach middle age.
This includes examining your senior pet for geriatric conditions like arthritis or vision loss, as well as performing routine wellness procedures on all adult pets.
Additional veterinary laboratory tests for aging pets may be recommended to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's health.
Vaccinations & Prevention at Westfield Animal Hospital
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our Westfield animal hospital, the veterinarian will determine whether your animal requires preventive care or if routine vaccinations are due.
