The Importance of Having Regular Checkups for Your Pet’s Health

As pet owners, we deeply understand our animal companion’s personality quirks. But how can we tell if our pet’s liver isn’t working properly or if his or her joints are starting to experience the effects of arthritis? This is where a health checkup comes in handy.

Vaccinations are crucial to your pet’s wellness routine, but there is so much more to these appointments. When you bring your pet in for a regular pet wellness exam, we can get to know him or her better, identify developing health issues, and address your concerns.

Completely Physiological Checkup

At each wellness appointment, your vet will do a full “nose to tail” examination and take a detailed history of your pet’s lifestyle. Recommendations will be made after a thorough examination of your pet’s ears, mouth, heart, lymph nodes, abdomen, lungs, and musculoskeletal system.

Weight And Nutritional Needs

Due to the increasing prevalence of pet obesity and related health issues in the United States, checking your pet’s weight and nutritional status is essential to any pet wellness exam. Also concerning is a rapid and unexpected shift in weight. Your pet’s ideal weight and general health are the results of a collaborative effort between you and your veterinarian.

Dental Health

Periodontal disease affects up to 85% of cats and dogs by age 3, and usually begins in the early stages of life. Pain, infection, and heart, liver, and kidney issues are just some of the possible outcomes of untreated periodontal disease. Your pet’s dental health will be evaluated at each appointment, and you’ll receive advice on how to best care for your pet at home and in-between visits.

Preventing Disease and Parasites

Vaccinations and parasite preventatives are administered at regular wellness appointments. You and your veterinarian may review a few alternatives for parasite prevention and vaccinations for your pet.

Behavioral Concerns

Pets with behavioral issues cause stress for their owners and their communities. During the pet wellness exam, you can ask the vet questions about your pet’s behavior. As an added convenience, we have on-site access to a qualified professional dog trainer who can provide humane and effective obedience training for dogs of all ages and breeds.

Standard Checking

Age, breed, and body size all influence the susceptibility and eventual development of certain health problems in pets. Adhering to your pet’s wellness exam schedule allows your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s health closely and address any potential issues before they become serious.

How Often Should My Pet Get A Checkup For Health?

Since pets mature at a considerably faster rate than people, it is crucial that you take them in for frequent pet wellness exams. Healthy pets under age 6 should visit their veterinarian once a year, and senior pets should visit twice a year. Depending on your pet’s condition, it may be necessary to schedule more frequent visits to the vet.

Extended weekend and evening hours are available at Newport Mesa Animal Hospital because we want to be accessible to everyone who needs our services. We hope to meet you and your pet very soon!