The Importance of Routine Vet Care
Routine wellness exams are a critical element in your pet's long-term healthcare plan.
Our vets use routine vet care in combination with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition to give your pet a thorough physical checkup and to ensure they have the best opportunity to live a long, healthy life.
When you bring your dog or cat in for their routine checkup, we're able to prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet Annual Exam
By giving your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup, your Sacramento vet can capture a complete picture of his or her overall health. Pet annual exams at our animal hospital include these elements:
General Condition
Did you know your pet's physical condition and general demeanor can offer clues to their overall health? Their level of alertness, whether they are a healthy weight for their size and how they stand and walk are all important indicators of general health.
Coat & Skin
We will assess your dog or cat's skin for signs of problems during the checkup. These issues might include lumps, bumps, excessive oiliness or dryness, shedding, abnormal hair loss or dandruff.
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
Puppies and kittens require appropriate medical attention in their first few weeks of life to help them get off to a healthy start.
Your furry best friend will receive a complete physical examination, deworming medication and appropriate immunizations. We'll also test for intestinal parasites. You'll get a puppy or kitten 'kit' full of educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your new pet's care, both at your appointments or between visits.
After your puppy or kitten has had their first checkup, 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
When your pet comes to our Sacramento animal hospital for their pet checkup, the vet will also confirm whether your animal needs preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.