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.
|
|
|
National Pet Wellness
|
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” |
|
.jpg)
