The Importance of Preventive Care
Routine pet exams are essential to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these vet wellness checkups give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health. The vet will also check whether your animal requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.
When you bring your dog or cat in for their routine pet checkup, we're often able to prevent health issues from developing in your animal, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your vet in San Diego will give your dog or cat a thorough physical pet checkup to capture a complete picture of his or her overall physical health. Routine exams at our animal clinic include these elements:
General Condition
Did you know we can gain insights into your pet's overall health by assessing their physical condition and general demeanor? Their level of alertness, how they stand and walk, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indications of overall health.
Coat & Skin
We'll take time to examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of issues during their vet checkup, including lumps, bumps, dandruff, excessive dryness or oiliness, shedding or abnormal hair loss.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of routine pet wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Vet Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
In their first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens need appropriate medical condition to help them get a good start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family.
Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
Recent advances in veterinary medical care and knowledge, along with newer therapies and better nutrition have lead to our senior pets living longer than ever.
While this is fantastic news for pets and their owners, it also means your pet's routine healthcare will need special attention as they age. As your pet enters middle age, regular examinations become increasingly important to ensure your pet is as healthy as possible.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform for all adult pets, special attention is given to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as decreased vision or arthritis.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and well-being.
Nutritional Consulting
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our San Diego animal hospital, the vet may also review your pet's current diet and make dietary recommendations based on your cat or dog's weight, and any behavioral concerns or skin conditions that may be diagnosed.