The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are critical for ensuring your pet's long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition, these routine exams include regular physical checkups to give your pet the best chance at excellent, lifelong health.
When you bring your furry friend in for their routine checkup we can prevent health issues from developing, or catch them early when they're most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Beacon vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup to get a complete picture of their overall health. Our animal clinic's routine wellness exams include the following components:
General Condition
Your pet's demeanor and physical condition can reveal information about their overall health. The way they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will look for signs of problems like excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, abnormal hair loss, or shedding.
Face & Head
The eyes, ears, and nose of your pet will be checked for abnormalities or discharge. In addition, we'll look for signs of oral health issues like plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are all crucial to your pet's heart health. We'll check to see if they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for signs of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be examined for pain or swelling, and the abdomen will be examined to ensure that the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach are all normal and that your pet is not in pain.
Review of Findings
Your veterinarian will take time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and to inform you about your dog or cat's nutritional needs.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
To get off to a healthy start, puppies and kittens require medical attention during their first few weeks of life.
We'll give your new best friend a thorough physical exam, as well as the necessary vaccinations and deworming medication. We'll also check for parasites in the intestine. You'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' containing educational materials and samples to assist you in caring for your new family member.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about caring for your new pet, either during your appointments or afterward.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
Senior pets are living longer lives than ever before, thanks to recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, newer therapies, and better nutrition.
While this is fantastic news for pets and their owners, it also means that your pet's routine healthcare needs to be given special attention as they age.
Regular examinations become increasingly important as your pet approaches middle age to ensure their continued health and longevity.
We pay special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision, in addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets.
Additional laboratory tests for aging pets may be advised in order to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and well-being.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our Beacon animal hospital, your vet will check if your pet requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.
