When it comes to the overall health of your pet, routine vet care is a must. Both dogs and cats are excellent at masking pain, which means they can be sick or have a condition without us being aware. With a yearly pet exam, our veterinarians can test for possible illnesses and detect them early. If you live in Hendersonville and want to schedule an appointment for a well visit for your pet, contact the New Shackle Island Veterinary Hospital for more information.
What is a Wellness Exam?
A routine wellness exam is basically us checking your pet’s overall health. It is comparable to an annual physical for people. Our veterinarians will perform some routine tests, including a blood test, fecal testing, and a complete physical exam. You will also be asked about your pet’s diet and if your pet has displayed any out of ordinary symptoms.
During puppy and kitten visits, our vets will administer a series of vaccinations to protect your pet against harmful diseases. Most annual checkups include at least one or several boosters. Our veterinarians will let you know which vaccinations your pet needs.
Things Your Veterinarian Checks For
Our Hendersonville veterinarians will check the appearance of your pet’s coat, skin, weight, and vitals. We will need to know everything about your pet’s lifestyle and we will discuss preventative treatments for parasite control. Other things our vets may observe include:
- How your pet stands and walks
- Whether your pet is alert and happy
- Listen for evidence of increased or decreased breathing sounds in the lungs
- Feel the bladder, liver, kidneys, and other abdominal areas for signs of discomfort or swelling
Preparing for an Exam
Before your pet vet care appointment, you may want to ask our Hendersonville veterinarians if you need to bring anything with you to the visit. In some cases, our vets may want you to refrain from feeding your pet before any blood work is taken. You may also be asked to bring in a recent fecal sample, if needed. You may want to gather basic information, including the brand and type of food you are feeding your pet, any supplements your pet use, and write down any questions or concerns you might have for our vets.