Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What Happens During Your Pet's Physical?

Your Brodheadsville vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup to get a more detailed picture of their overall health. Routine pet wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's general mood, behavior, and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. Their stance, gait, level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of their wellbeing.

Coat & Skin

During your pet's checkup, your vet examines your pet's skin and coat for signs of problems like excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, unusual hair loss, and shedding.

Face & Head

Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be checked for abnormalities or discharge. Your vet also examines 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 important indicators of your pet's heart health. Your vet tests these to ensure they're normal, after which your pet's lungs are examined for evidence of abnormal breathing. 

Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and the vet also examines the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach are in good health, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort. 

Review of Findings

At the end of your cat's or dog's routine pet wellness exam, your vet will be happy to discuss any concerns they have about your pet's overall health and discuss your pet's nutritional requirements and diet with you.

Puppy & Kitten Checkups

Puppies and kittens benefit enormously from proper medical attention during their first few weeks of life. 

Your vet gives your new best friend a complete physical check, the appropriate vaccinations, and deworming medication. Your vet tests for intestinal parasites, and we'll provide you with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family. 

Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.

Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for their required booster shots. 

Geriatric Pet Care

With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, newer therapies, and improved nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.

While this is good news for pets and their owners, it also means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's healthcare as they age. As your pet passes through their middle age, regular checkups are increasingly important to ensure their continuing health and longevity. 

In addition to the routine pet 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 wellbeing.