Regular comprehensive physical examinations are the single most important contribution to the long and healthy life of your pet.
Important Benefits Of Regular Physical Examinations
Many serious medical conditions start with minor symptoms. If these problems are found early in the progress of the disease, it is much easier and less costly to manage or treat the disease than if treatment is delayed until symptoms are obvious.
You will be shown the latest dietary and health care products available for your pet.
Problem behaviors can be discussed with our veterinarians and staff.
There are new drugs and training aids available to help make your pet a happier member of your family.
As your pet moves from youth through middle age and into old age, our veterinarians and staff can suggest changes in diet and care that can result in a longer, happier life for your pet.
Dogs and cats under 7 years of age should have semi-annual comprehensive physical examinations and a wellness blood panel, urinalysis, and glaucoma test. Senior pets over 7 years of age should have additional laboratory work performed every six months to look for early changes in function of internal organ systems such as the kidneys, heart, liver, etc. Every six months in a pet's life is similar to a person having an exam and lab work every 3 to 4 years.
"Senility" behavior changes in older dogs, including loss of housebreaking habits, memory loss, loneliness/isolation from the family, can be improved with new medication. Discuss any behavior changes you are seeing in your older dog with our veterinarian during your pet's yearly physical exam.
If You Think Your Pet Is Sick Or Injured
Don't wait -- help us help your pet by coming in for an examination as soon as possible, especially if vomiting or diarrhea, pain, coughing or fainting spells are seen.
Make a list of any changes you or other family members may have noticed in your pet's behavior or habits, even if it doesn't seem to have any connection to the primary symptoms. Especially important are changes in eating, drinking, bowel movements and urination, or coughing or fainting spells.
If possible, bring a sample of your pet's bowel movement and a urine sample when you come in for the examination. These can contain valuable clues to help us find the cause of the problem.