Wellness exams

A pet Wellness Examination is a regular check-up that allows your veterinarian to evaluate your pet's health and diagnose any problem before it becomes serious. Pets cannot tell you how they're feeling, and changes in their behaviour and health can be quite gradual and subtle, therefore more difficult to pick up when you see your pet every day.

By thoroughly examining your pet and discussing any changes you may have noticed, potential health issues can be recognised sooner and addressed promptly. Regular pet Wellness Exams provide for monitored health, and the opportunity to perform diagnostic lab tests such as blood panels and urinalysis, help in early detection of conditions like kidney and liver disease, diabetes, and heartworm infections.

Early detection allows us to diagnose and begin treatment at the beginning stages of a disease. Sometimes preventive action can be taken immediately; other times, the correct course of action is simply to monitor a particular issue and ensure it does not worsen dramatically.

Every year of your pet's life is equivalent to 5-7 human years. Just as dogs and cats age faster than humans, so their diseases can progress quite rapidly by comparison. This can mean a shorter window of opportunity for disease detection and treatment.

Like people, too, pets may need to visit the veterinarian more often as they get older to treat age-related issues and diseases. It is recommended that all dogs and cats have a yearly Wellness Exam, while some senior pets (over 8 years of age) come in for six-monthly check-ups for issues such as heart and kidney disease.

The vet will request a complete history of your pet’s health and listen to any observations you may have made relating to the behaviour and general health. For example, you may have noticed that your pet has a cough after running around, or that it seems quite stiff when let out of the kennel in the morning. Such minor observations by you as the pet's owner can prove to be vital warnings signs to a veterinarian.

The vet will then perform a complete "nose to tail" physical examination. Laboratory tests are strongly recommended for senior pets to check for any underlying diseases that may be developing but are not yet apparent.

There are dozens of examples in the clinic every year where pets come in for a routine health check and we are able to identify an issue early and improve that pet’s quality of life as well as their life expectancy. Any interventions or testing are always offered as part of an open conversation with owners, and there is never any pressure to perform testing that you feel is unnecessary for your pet.

Wellness Exams are an excellent opportunity for you to discuss any concerns you may have with your pet, such as weight control. Regular check-ups will help you and your pet have a healthier and happier life together.