Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Wellness Exams

Your pet deserves to receive proper healthcare from a qualified and experienced vet. One of the best ways to ensure that they get the care that they need is to bring them in for regular pet wellness exams. However, many owners are not aware of the importance of these appointments and what they mean for their pets. We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about pet wellness exams and their answers, so that you can feel informed when you schedule your pet’s appointment.

How Often Should My Pet Attend a Wellness Exam?

All pets should attend regular wellness exams, regardless of their age, breed, or location. Exactly how often this should be will depend on your pet’s individual information, including their current age and health. However, as a general rule, all adult pets should have a wellness exam at least once every year, with senior pets being seen approximately every 6 months. Your vet in Pearland, TX at Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital will be happy to give you a specific schedule based on the individual needs of your pet.

Why Are Pet Wellness Exams Important?

Many people think that if their pet isn’t sick, they don’t need to see a vet. However, pet wellness exams are a crucial part of your pet’s preventative care. This is because animals are excellent at hiding illnesses or underlying chronic issues. This is part of their inherent survival instincts. Exams aid in detecting health problems before they can have a significant impact on the well-being of your animal. They not only detect problems with your pet’s organs and body systems, but can even be used to spot dental issues, parasite infestations and cancer. Early detection of any health problem is crucial for prompt treatment and the best possible outcome for your animal. Routine bloodwork testing, especially in older patients, provides a more thorough internal check for possible issues.

What Can I Expect at My Pet’s Wellness Exam?

Although appointments may vary slightly depending on the specific needs of your pet, most wellness exams follow a fairly similar format. This includes:

• A thorough head to tail physical examination, looking at your pet’s coat, skin, eyes, ears, teeth, body position and the way that they move.
• Palpation of the abdomen to check the size and position of their internal organs.
• Listening to your pet’s heart and lungs.
• Assessing their other vital signs, including temperature and respiratory rate.
• Potential evaluation of samples, such as blood, urinalysis or fecal analysis.
• Advice on preventative care such as vaccinations and parasite preventatives.

Our vet team at Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital will be happy to explain what you can expect at each stage of your pet’s wellness exam and answer any questions that you may have.

Will My Pet Get Any Vaccinations at Their Annual Wellness Exam?

It really depends as to whether your pet is due any vaccinations at this time. We may try schedule wellness exams and vaccination boosters at the same time for the convenience of owners as well as making it easier for owners to remember when they are due. We will be able to advise you if your pet is due for any vaccinations and, if so, what they are.

Will My Vet talk to Me About Preventatives at My Pet’s Wellness Exam?

Preventatives are one of the best ways of keeping your pet protected from the many different parasites that carry diseases and that could make them sick. This includes fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms. Many of these diseases can have serious consequences for animals – in particular, heartworms, which are nearly always fatal if left untreated. There are lots of different types of preventatives and your vet at Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital will want to make sure that you know which ones to choose based on your pet’s size and breed.

To learn more about pet’s wellness exams and what to expect, contact Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital in Pearland, Texas at (281) 997-1426. Call us with any questions or to schedule a wellness exam for your pet today!