The Importance of Preventive Care
Pet wellness exams 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 dog and cat 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 easiest to treat.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Springfield vet will perform a thorough physical examination on your dog or cat in order to obtain an accurate picture of his or her overall health. Our animal clinic's routine dog and cat checkups include the following components:§
General Condition
Pet behavior and physical condition can give you a good idea of your pet's overall health. A pet's posture, alertness, and body weight are all good indicators of their overall health, so pay attention to how they stand and walk.
Coat & Skin
We will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, such as excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps or bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.
Face & Head
The eyes, ears, and nose of your pet will be examined. We'll also look for signs of oral health issues like plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Your pet's heart health depends on his or her heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure. We'll check to see if they're normal. After that, the lungs will be examined for signs of abnormal breathing.
We'll check the lymph nodes for pain or swelling, and we'll examine the abdomen to make sure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach are all in good working order and that your pet isn't in any pain.
Review of Findings
At the conclusion of your pet's routine wellness exam, your veterinarian will discuss any concerns they have about your pet's overall health and will inform you about your dog or cat's nutritional needs.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
During the first few weeks of their lives, puppies and kittens require specialized medical care in order to thrive.
We'll perform a full physical examination on your new best friend, administer the necessary vaccinations, and administer deworming medication. We'll also look for parasites in the intestines. You will receive a puppy or kitten 'kit,' which includes educational materials and samples to assist you in caring for your new family member.
Whether it's during an appointment or afterward, don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about caring for your new animal companion.
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 recent advancements in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and improved nutrition.
While this is fantastic news for pets and owners alike, it does mean that special attention must be paid to your pet's routine healthcare as they age.
Regular examinations become increasingly important as your pet reaches middle age and beyond to ensure their continued health and longevity.
Along with the routine pet wellness exams we perform on all adult pets, we will pay particular attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for senior pets in order to obtain more detailed information about their overall health and well-being.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary examination at our animal hospital in Springfield, the veterinarian will determine whether your pet requires preventive care or is due for any routine vaccinations.