The Importance of Preventive Care Checkups
Wellness exams are critical to helping your horse maintain good health and high overall performance.
At our Turlock veterinary hospital, routinely scheduled wellness exams for our patients including a comprehensive physical checkup.
These examinations include checks of your pet's internal organs, eyes, ears and nose for signs of issues, in addition to additional diagnostics such as X-rays and bloodwork as needed.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these routine examinations can provide your pet with their best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your dog or cat in for their routine checkup, we can prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or detect them early when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Turlock vet will give your pet a thorough physical examination in order to get a complete picture of their overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's overall demeanor and physical state can be valuable clues to their 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 examine your pet's skin and coat for signs of problems, such as excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be checked for abnormalities, discharge, or other signs of illness. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems like 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 functioning well, after which the lungs will be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
We will then examine the lymph nodes for swelling or pain. Then, the vet will check 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 the exam, your vet will discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Nutrition Consultation
If your pet is exhibiting issues related to nutrition or their husbandry requirements include a specialty diet, our experienced Turlock veterinarians are able to discuss your pet's needs with you. They can work with you to create and manage special dietary needs for your unique cat, dog, or exotic pet.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens need adequate veterinary attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start.
Your new four-legged-friend will receive 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.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with your vet to ask any questions you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.
After your puppy or kitten's checkup, you'll return periodically for your pet's required booster shots.
Seniors
Thanks to advancements in veterinary knowledge, new therapies and improvements in nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
Although we are happy to have our beloved pets for longer, this means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we keep an eye out for signs of potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our Turlock animal hospital, the vet will also check whether your animal requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.