Routine wellness exams from our vets at American Pet Hospital focus on preventive care for your dog or cat. These routine exams are pet checkups that help ensure your animal is in good health.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are critical to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these routine examinations include regular physical checkups to give your pet the 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 catch them early, when they are most treatable.
Vet Checkups for Dogs & Cats in Modesto
Your vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our Modesto animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your dog or cat's general demeanor and physical condition can provide vital clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.
Face & Head
Your animal's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. Our vets will also check your pet's 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. Our friendly team of veterinary professionals will test these to ensure they're normal.
The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for signs of pain or swelling, and we will 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 your pet's health checkup, your Modesto vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your animal's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life in order to get off to the healthiest start possible.
We'll give your kitten or puppy a thorough 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.
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. Our vets want to help you to provide your new fur baby with the care they need and deserve.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for your pet's required booster shots.
Seniors
Recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, combined with newer therapies and better nutrition, mean that senior pets are living longer than ever.
While this is great news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. Once your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly important to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult dogs and cats, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Some additional laboratory testing may also be recommended for aging pets in order to provide your vet with more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your dog or cat's checkup at our Modesto animal hospital, the vet will also check whether your animal requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.