The Importance of Pet Checkups
Wellness exams, or regular pet checkups are an important part of maintaining your cat or dog's long-term physical health.
These routine examinations include regular physical check-ups. When these are combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper diet, you are giving your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your cat or dog in for their routine checkup, we help you prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical Checkup
Your San Jose vet will give your cat or dog a thorough physical checkup to get a complete picture of their overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following:
General Condition
Your pet's general behaviour and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand/walk, their alertness level, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of your pets overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, such as, excessive oiliness/ dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss and shedding.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be checked for abnormalities or discharge. We will also look at the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate / rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are critical to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're functioning normally. 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 all of the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort or pain.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to talk to you about any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and discuss your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical exam, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites.
At the check up 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 have when caring for your new pet, anytime at your appointments or following your visits.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, return periodically for their required booster shots.
Checkups for Senior Pets
Advances in veterinary medicine and care are developing better therapy and nutrition options helping senior pets live longer than ever.
While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, You must give special attention to your pet's healthcare routine as they age. When your pet passes middle age, regular examinations become more important when ensuring their continuing health and longevity.
On top of the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Our San Jose vets may recommend other laboratory tests for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's health and wellbeing.
Dietary & Behavioral Counselling
We can provide guidance and advice regarding your pet's nutritional needs for each life stage and dietary requirements for growth. Behavior problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling and aggression can also be corrected.