The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are essential when it comes to promoting good long-term physical health in your pet.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these vet checkups include regular physical checkups to give your pet a head start on life-long health.
When you bring your dog or cat in for their routine checkup, our team can help prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What Happens During Your Pet's Wellness Exam?
Your Jackson 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 animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and their 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 pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
We'll test your pet's heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure to ensure they're normal. 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 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 routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Kitten & Puppy Checkups
Puppies and kittens require proper medical care in their first few weeks of life to ensure a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites.
Your vet will take time to share tips and provide guidance on caring for the newest member of your family.
Please 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.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet ages, regular exams become essential to ensure their continuing health and catch emerging health issues as early as possible.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision as well as recommend additional testing when required.
Vaccinations & Prevention in Jackson
During your cat or dog's checkup at North Madison Animal Hospital, we will also let you know if your animal is due for any routine vaccinations or parasite preventive medication.