Essential Pet Preventive Care For Optimal Long Term Health
Preventive care exams - also called routine wellness exams - are annual or twice-yearly pet checkups designed to give your dog or cat their very best shot at a long and healthy life. These exams provide you with the information you need to care for your pet's unique needs, and allow your vet to monitor the health of your four-legged friend on a regular basis so that any concerning changes or developing issues can be more easily spotted.
Bringing your cat or dog into our San Diego animal hospital for a preventive care exam allows your vet to find any issues before they become more severe and gives your vet the opportunity to provide your pet with any vaccinations or preventive medications they need to keep parasites from invading their bodies.
The cost of preventive examinations is also far less than what it would be to treat diseases, illnesses, and parasitic conditions when they have become more serious. Preventive exams and early detection can also save your pet from experiencing more pain or discomfort.
Preparing For Your Pet's Preventive Exam
At Kearny Mesa Veterinary Center we want you and your pet to have a positive veterinary experience every time you visit us. To get the most out of your pet's preventive care exam it's a good idea to prepare a few things ahead of time. By following the tips below, your cat or dog's preventive care appointment with us will be a more relaxed, organized, and efficient experience.
- Book an appointment time with no time restrictions so that your vet has plenty of time to provide your pet with the attention they need and deserve, and so that we are able to answer all of your pet care questions.
- If this will be your pet's first time to our San Diego animal clinic arrive about 10 minutes early to fill out the new patient forms.
- Bring records of your pet's medical history and past and present medications and dosages, or have them sent to us ahead of time.
- Write down the details of your pet's food, exercise routine, and bowel movements to help your vet understand your pet's lifestyle.
- Inform your vet of any recent or previous tick bites.
- Your vet may ask you to bring in a fresh stool sample from your pet in order to do a fecal exam or a urine sample for a urine test.
- To help your pet stay calm at their appointment ensure they get some exercise before the appointment and bring along their favorite blanket or toy.
- Record any symptoms or behaviors that your cat or dog is displaying that's concerning you to share with the veterinarian.
- Prepare any questions you have for your vet ahead of time.
- Call your vet to ask them if it is okay for your furry friend to eat before their appointment (some tests require fasting).
- Make sure to bring your cat or small dog in a carrier, if you have a larger dog keep them on a leash
- Ask for a cost estimate and Inform your vet of your budget so they can adjust the exams accordingly.