Veterinary exams are health checkups pets need throughout their life. Wellness exams ensure your pet is developing correctly and is in good health. Even if your pet is healthy it’s important they have veterinary visits to catch any unknown conditions and provide early treatment.
What is included in a veterinary exam?
Veterinary exams are similar to a doctor’s checkup for humans. Your pet will undergo a physical examination. The veterinarian will check your pet from head to tail looking for abnormalities on the skin, breathing problems or eyesight issues. If the vet notices something concerning, we may conduct blood tests to check for parasites, infections or other diseases. Based on the results we may perform ultrasounds and X-rays for further testing. If your pet has a medical problem we use diagnostics to monitor the issue and revisit their treatment plan. The veterinarian will also have a discussion with pet owners about their pet’s habits, lifestyle and behaviours. Some important issues that may come up in this discussion are:
- Vaccinations
- Dental care
- Weight management
- Parasite control
- Nutrition counselling
At the end of the consultation the veterinarian and pet parent will be on the same page about the patient’s development and care. If your pet needs a veterinary examination, call us at 416-463-8387 to book an appointment.
How often should my pet have an exam?
The amount of veterinary exams your pet needs each year is determined by their age and overall health. In general, each pet should have one annual exam. If your pet is vulnerable due to their health or age they will need more. Senior pets need two veterinary exams because they are prone to developing medical problems. Puppies and kittens don’t have strong immune systems so they can’t fight off illness and need three veterinary visits to monitor their health.
