Annual Pet Wellness Exams in the Upper West Side
At Westside Veterinary Center, we care about your pets almost as much as you do. That’s why we offer a full range of wellness exams we perform regularly on cats, dogs, and other pets. It’s not always easy to tell when your pet isn’t feeling himself, and unlike humans, pets don’t always complain when they’re sick.
When there’s something wrong with one of your pets, not knowing can be the scariest part. Luckily, with high-quality care and early detection, most animal diseases can be cured or at least managed, giving your pet the ability to feel their best once again.
To learn more about the services offered at Westside Veterinary Center, contact us today!
What is an annual wellness examination?
It’s recommended that no matter what type of animal you have, you should bring them in for a wellness exam at least once a year. Think of it as your pet’s annual check-up. Even though there may not be anything wrong with them, it’s always better to look for warning signs, verify health, and have an update on the overall condition of your beloved pet.
Much like an annual exam for a human, tests in a pet wellness exam vary based on the specific health needs of your animal. Generally, annual wellness examinations include a basic physical exam, checking heartbeat and function of important body parts. Here is a brief description of what’s included in this process:
- A nose to tail physical exam, investigating for any issues or abnormalities that are visible by checking the physical condition of the animal
- Registering of vital signs like pulse, heartbeat, breathing function, and temperature
- An in-depth check for lumps and bumps
- A stool check for parasites
- Urinalysis
- Blood chemistry panel and (complete blood count) CBC test
Why is an annual wellness examination so important?
When it comes to your pet’s health, you won’t always know when there’s a change. Some animals change their behavior drastically when they feel sick, while others suffer in silence. Even if your pet is totally healthy, an annual exam can be useful in discovering changes in your pet’s weight and size.
It’s advised to have your pets vaccinated yearly for common diseases, especially if they’re going to be spending time outside. Typically, your veterinarian will schedule a wellness exam for the same time to ensure your beloved animal is able to benefit from a full range of compassionate and caring services.
Your pet is part of your family, and by extension, part of ours as well, which is why we care about your pets as if they were our own. Bring your animal to the Westside Veterinary Center on the Upper West Side and get a full wellness exam.