Does Pet Need to Attend Annual Wellness Exams

It’s not a surprise that preventing diseases is much better than experiencing them and requiring treatment. However, many pet owners don’t realize that the same sentiment applies to our pets. And since our animals rely on us to take care of their health and wellbeing, it’s also up to us to do everything that we can to prevent them from getting sick. One of the best ways of doing this is by making sure that they attend their annual wellness exams.

What are Annual Wellness Exams?

As the name suggests, annual wellness exams are veterinary appointments that usually take place once each year. The purpose of this appointment is to evaluate and monitor the condition and health of your pet. In doing this, it’s possible to identify any developing health problems early on, preventing your pet from needless pain and suffering, the need for unpleasant treatment, and help avoid potentially costly treatments. In some instances, early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.

What Happens During an Annual Wellness Exam?

Exactly what will happen during your pet’s annual wellness exam will depend on your pet and your vet’s recommendation. Nevertheless, most will incorporate some or all of the following elements:

Physical Exam

This nose-to-tail exam looks at all areas of your pet’s body, from the condition of their coat and teeth to the way that they stand or move around. Your vet at Boca Chica Animal Hospital will want to make sure that their eyes, nose, and mouth are clear and free from diseases or infections. They will take your pet’s temperature, their weight and assess their heart rate and breathing. Your vet in Brownsville, TX will also palpate their abdomen to check on the size and position of their organs to check for any abnormalities.

Urine and Fecal Testing

Urinalysis and fecal testing may be part of your pet’s annual wellness exams. This is because your pet’s pee and poop can tell your vet a great deal about the health of your pet and how well their body is functioning. If these tests are recommended, you will probably be asked to bring samples with you, which will be sent for testing. Some of the conditions that can be detected using these tests include diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, and tapeworms. In some cases, if your vet has concerns about any aspect of your pet’s health, they might also recommend that your pet has a blood test, which will provide further information in much greater depth.

Consultation

As well as examining your pet, your vet at Boca Chica Animal Hospital will talk to you about your pet’s behavior and lifestyle. They will want to find out what diet they follow, how often and how much you feed them, and how much exercise they get. Your vet is a source of invaluable advice and information, and if you have any questions about how to provide the best care for your furry friend, this is the ideal opportunity to ask them.

Preventative Care

Preventative medications and treatments are a great way to protect your pet against the most serious and unpleasant infectious diseases. Your pet will be recommended to have a series of vaccinations, as well as parasite protection that keeps your pet safe from fleas, ticks, worms, and more. These should all be administered on a strict schedule and your veterinary team at Boca Chica Animal Hospital will be able to tell you how often these should be given. They will also explain why it’s important not to miss or be late with a dose.

If you have any other questions about annual wellness exams for pets, contact Boca Chica Animal Hospital & Pet Resort in Brownsville, Texas at (956) 541-5249 to speak with our team today!