For a healthy adult pet, we recommend a visit to our clinic
ANNUALLY.
Since pets age at a much quicker rate than humans, these visits will become increasingly important in early detection of any changes in their health.
A wellness exam is a full physical examination of your pet from nose to tail. Our veterinarian will check your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, skin, bones and joints for any abnormalities. Based on the results of our examination, the veterinarian may then recommend diagnostics such as blood tests, urinalysis, and parasite screening to get a fuller picture of your pet’s health.
A wellness exam is recommended for most pets annually. Senior pets and pets with chronic health issues should have an exam at least every 6 months. Our wellness protocols are designed to prevent disease and prolong the lives and life quality of your pets. As soon as you welcome a new pet into your home, you should consider preventative care to protect their health. For puppies and kittens, we recommend beginning a vaccination series between six and eight weeks of age. While adequate vaccination is important, the comprehensive physical examinations, intestinal parasite screenings and prophylactic dewormings also given during this series will help ensure your new family member gets started on the right paw for a happy, healthy life.
AGE-RELATED WELLNESS PROGRAMS
At PAWS, we can keep your pets happy and healthy by utilizing the following:
The physical exam is a very important aspect of your pet’s wellness. This is when the doctor evaluates the entire pet using his or her hands, eyes and ears. It includes: an eye exam with ophthalmoscope, an ear exam with otoscope and a heart and lung exam using a stethoscope. Other points evaluated are teeth, skin, coat, vitals, body condition and joints. Doctors also use their hands to palpate the abdominal contents. Veterinary physical exams, on average, uncover three additional concerns than what is known by the pet owner. So make sure to bring your pet in for his or her regular physical exam appointments.
Internal medicine deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disease inside the body. Common examples include:
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney/Urinary Disease
- Internal Infections
- Cancer
- Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, Endocrine System (e.g., Diabetes, Adrenal, Thyroid, etc.) and Heart Disease
The staff at our hospital is equipped, trained and experienced to provide the highest level of care in times of illness. From a comprehensive in-house laboratory and diagnostic equipment, we are here when you need us.
During the exam process, another important aspect of wellness care is educating clients. Together as partners, we can ensure your pet receives all that he or she needs to live a long and quality life.
Although a comprehensive exam is imperative, it may not tell the whole story. Monitoring lab parameters, such as blood analysis and urinalysis, each year alerts us of potentially threatening trends of the internal organs and helps identify internal disease at the earliest stage possible.
We also offer annual blood screenings for all of our patients. If done routinely, these screenings will help our doctors detect potential diseases before they become a serious issue. If caught early, many common diseases can be managed through dietary modifications. Since pets usually don’t exhibit symptoms of many serious diseases, such as kidney or liver disease, until the disease is in its advanced stages, early detection leads to early treatment and can prolong your pet’s life.
