Just like your own regular visits to the doctor, your pet needs to have a regular check-up for the maintenance of optimal health.
A wellness examination is a routine medical examination of a patient that is apparently healthy, as opposed to an examination of a patient that is ill. A wellness examination may also be called a 'check-up' or a 'physical examination'. The focus of a wellness visit is the maintenance of optimal health.
How often should my pet have a wellness examination?
The answer to this question depends on your pet's age and current health status. For example, early puppyhood wellness exams are recommended on a monthly basis, while for the average adult dog annual wellness examinations are the norm, and for middle aged or geriatric dogs semi-annual examinations are recommended.
Our doctors are the best position to recommend how often your pet should have a wellness examination, based on its specific species, breed, health status and lifestyle.
What Should I Bring?
Prepare yourself with some basic information:
Brand and type of food that your pet eats
Whether the family feeds any table scraps
What, if any, supplements are given
List any noticed problems
Bring your pet's collar and leash on them
Many dogs are afraid when they come to the veterinary office and may show this fear as submissive urination, panting, drooling, avoidance, growling, snapping or biting. Most dogs that are aggressive at the veterinary office are exhibiting fear-related aggression. This can be eliminated or reduced through systematic desensitization.