2128 State Road 16 ● La Crosse WI 54601 ● (608)781-3466 ● lacrossevet.com

Pet Wellness Visits

At La Crosse Veterinary Clinic we believe all pets can benefit from annual wellness visits.  By seeing your veterinarian once a year or more, your pet has the best chance for a long, happy, healthy life.  Remember that animals age faster than humans do, so your pet’s health can change quickly in a short amount of time.  Since animals can’t tell us how they are feeling, we must rely on a complete physical exam to get an accurate picture of their health.  Your veterinarian can make individual recommendations for further care based on the results of your pet’s exam.   These days pets are living longer and better than ever, and preventative health care is key.

 What does a Wellness Visit include?

Your pet will be weighed and given a complete physical exam.  The veterinarian will also ask about your pet’s health and behavioral history.  Exposure to parasites and prevention/control may be discussed.  Vaccinations can be updated and any necessary testing can also be performed. 

 How often should my pet have a Wellness Visit?

All pets should see a veterinarian at least once every year for a wellness exam.  As your pet becomes older, wellness exams should be more frequent.  Senior pets, or those seven years of age or older, will need to be examined every six months.  Wellness exams are important because changes in your pet’s health can be detected early before diseases progress too far to be managed. 

 What is the veterinarian looking for during the physical exam?

Your pet will receive an exam from head to toe!  The veterinarian will examine your pet’s eyes, ears, mouth, nose, skin, hair coat, abdomen, rear, legs, and feet.  Your pet’s heart and lung sounds will be checked with a stethoscope.  Any abnormalities detected may be clues that your pet is not feeling well. 

 What signs should I watch for in my pet?

Changes in a pet’s daily routine can often be an indicator that something is wrong.  Please mention any unusual behavior to the veterinarian.  Since you know your pet best, you can often observe changes and alert us that your pet may not be well.  Some signs are:

• Weakness
• Exercise intolerance or lethargy (more tired than usual)
• Pain, lameness, or stiffness
• Trouble getting up
• Changes in urination or defecation habits
• Changes in water or food consumption
• Breathing difficulties, coughing, panting
• Vomiting
• Scratching, hair loss, excessive licking
• Weight gain or loss
• Behavioral changes, aggression
• Changes in activity level or interaction with others
• Just “not himself/herself”