The Value of a Pet Wellness Exam
If you’ve seen a doctor, you’ve likely been scheduled for at least a once-a-year annual checkup. The same applies to pets. More often referred to as wellness exams today, a yearly checkup by a vet for your dog or cat is an ideal way to keep track of their health condition, as well as to spot any early signs of issues that can be nipped in the bud before they become far more severe health problems later. They also provide the means to keep track of your pet's development and age over time.
What’s the Best Frequency for a Pet Wellness Exam?
Similar to humans, pets need more medical care as they age. As puppies or kittens enter their first year or two, the main focus is on proper development to adult status. The biggest medical procedure on the animal is spaying or neutering to avoid unwanted breeding, especially if the pets are outdoors. However, once the age reaches five, it’s time for the vet exams to start at least annually. This is when the cat or dog starts moving into middle age. Eventually, as the pet grows older, the wellness exams must frequently increase to keep track of aging, eventual degeneration, and issues that come with senior animal status.
Remember, both cats and dogs age much faster than humans. A year in the life of a human can be multiple years for a dog or cat. By the time a decade has passed, a cat or dog is already well into their senior years, and for some breeds, they are reaching the end of their expected lifespan. While aging is not an exact match of seven years to one of a human, it is the equivalent of multiple years. Ergo, a wellness exam helps track what’s going on and how far the aging process is progressing.
What to Expect in an Exam
A veterinarian's wellness exam focuses on confirming that all the animal's primary functions are working correctly. That includes reviewing all essential activities, such as eating, breathing, digestion, elimination, and physical appearance. As each aspect is evaluated, any signs of system failure or poor performance are noted and followed up on. Something as simple as the condition of the pet’s fur can speak volumes about allergies, diet, sufficient nutrition, and more. The same analysis is applied to each metric and measurement area during a wellness exam.
Schedule an Exam for Your Pet
Trumbull Animal Hospital is the perfect place for pet owners to schedule wellness exams for cats, dogs, and pets. Our veterinarian team can apply a pet wellness exam that covers the bases. We will confirm the exact health status of your pet, as well as what may be needed to maintain or improve the animal's health. Call our office at (203) 268-6231 to schedule an appointment.