Our staff at the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County understands the concerns that many area pet owners face when it comes to maintaining their pet’s health and maximizing quality of life. That is why we have put together this list of frequently asked questions about annual pet exams to help you understand how important they are for your pet’s health. If you live in Ferndale, Monticello, Liberty, or the surrounding areas, contact our team to schedule an exam with one of our veterinarians.
Why are annual exams necessary for pets? Annual exams and biannual exams for senior pets are an important part of the preventative medicine aspect of treating your pet. They are your frontline effort to detect potential illnesses early, manage your pet’s healthy weight, ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date and optimize your pet’s health.
What type of testing is conducted during an annual exam? Our veterinary staff will conduct a head-to-tail examination of your pet to monitor your pet’s growth, look for any medical issues, and check on your pet’s dental health. Our veterinarians will also listen to your pet’s heart and lungs to make sure everything sounds good, strong, and clear.
Are vaccinations and preventatives part of the annual exam process? In most cases, if your pet needs vaccinations, they will be administered during the annual examination. We will also discuss preventative medications for your pet. We hope to prevent medical issues before they have a chance to develop into something worse. Your pet will need a heartworm test before administering heartworm preventatives and that will be conducted during the examination.
What types of tests are administered during the annual exam? In most cases, we will conduct blood work as an early tool for detecting a variety of health conditions. Early detection is essential for effectively managing many pet health conditions and this allows us to begin care promptly when these conditions are detected. Also, we will collect urine and fecal samples to test for parasites and other conditions that cannot be detected with a visual inspection.
Is nutritional counseling part of the annual exam process? In some cases, nutritional counseling may be a part of the annual exam for your pet. This is especially true if you are struggling with a finicky pet who does not want to eat or one who is obese. Healthy weight management is a key component to maximizing your pet’s good health and quality of life. That often begins with a few recommendations about nutrition from our veterinary staff.
Contact Our Team at the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County
Your pet’s health is our priority. Annual exams for adult pets and biannual exams for senior pets are an excellent tool to maintain your pet’s health for years to come. If you live in Ferndale, Monticello, Liberty, and the surrounding areas, and it has been a while since your pet’s last check-up, call us today at (845) 292-6711 to schedule an exam with one of our veterinarians.
