Just like people, pets need regular wellness exams to make sure they’re healthy and that they receive the preventive care to help them stay that way. At Pinecrest Veterinary Clinic, we provide comprehensive wellness checkups, as well as a range of supplemental veterinary care services designed to provide for all of your pet’s healthcare needs.
Wellness Exam Basics
A wellness exam for a dog or a cat is essentially a nose-to-tail examination that involves looking, feeling and listening. Your veterinarian will look in your pet’s ears, test their eyes, and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. They will also palpate different areas to feel for any abnormalities and to see if there are any areas that are tender or sore.
Depending on the age of your pet and their medical history, your vet may administer vaccinations, and they may also examine your pet for fleas and ticks. These pests cause irritation to your pet’s skin, and they can also carry diseases. If exposure to fleas and ticks on a regular basis is normal for your pet, your veterinarian may suggest some preventive medication that you can apply regularly at home.
Spaying and Neutering
Another important aspect of preventive medicine for pets is spaying and neutering. Not only does this prevent your pets from reproducing, it reduces their risk of certain types of cancers and infections, and it can also eliminate some behavior problems, leading to a more harmonious relationship overall for you and your pet.
Dental Checkups and the Importance of Oral Health
Your dog or cat’s teeth may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to veterinary care, but routine pet dental checkups can help detect signs of problems early so that they can be treated promptly. Oral health problems may also themselves be signs of other underlying health issues, and so checking for these can give your veterinarian more information about your pet’s overall health.
Comprehensive Veterinary Care from Your Veterinarian in Johnson City
Regardless of the age of your cat or dog, or how long it’s been since their last checkup, they can benefit from the comprehensive care your veterinarian in Johnson City will provide. Your pet’s needs will necessarily change with age, and the conditions they’re at risk of developing change over time as well.
Routine wellness exams allow your vet to look for signs of everything from arthritis to diabetes to cancer, and they also provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your pet’s overall health and behavior. In fact, the information you provide during the visit is often essential in alerting your vet to potential issues to look for. Based on the results of the exam, your vet may recommend some follow-up tests including blood work, x-rays, urinalysis, and others to get a complete picture of your pet’s overall health.
Call Us Today
To learn more about the comprehensive veterinary care we offer or to schedule a wellness exam for your pet, call our offices today at (423) 926-6091.
