Preventive care is one of the best ways of maintaining your pet’s health, vitality, and longevity. That includes annual wellness exams. Similar to annual physicals for humans, wellness visits allow our veterinary team to detect potential health issues early and provide preventive care for your pet. Our Alisos Animal Hospital team explains why wellness exams are crucial to helping your pet lead a healthier, happier life.

Early detection of diseases affecting pets

One of the primary benefits of regular pet wellness exams is the early detection of health problems. Pets cannot communicate their discomfort or pain in easily understood ways, so subtle signs of illness or disease often go unnoticed by pet owners. During a wellness exam, our veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and diagnostic testing, which can reveal early signs of conditions such as:

  • Dental disease — Oral health issues are common in pets and can lead to serious systemic problems if left untreated.
  • Obesity — A growing problem among cats and dogs, obesity can lead to diabetes, arthritis, and other serious health issues.
  • Heart conditions — Early detection of heart problems can have a significant impact on a pet’s quality of life and longevity because treatment can be started that much sooner.
  • Parasites — Regular checks for fleas, ticks, and internal parasites can help keep pets healthy and comfortable.
  • Kidney and liver conditions — Routine screening blood work can help our team detect conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and liver issues, when they are in the early stages and easier to manage.

Preventive care for pets

Preventive care is a cornerstone of pet wellness exams. By focusing on prevention, our veterinarian can help your pet avoid serious health issues. Critical aspects of preventive care include:

  • Vaccinations — Keeping your furry pal up-to-date on vaccinations can prevent them from contracting several different diseases.
  • Parasite control — Our team can prescribe preventive medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, which protect your pet from discomfort and disease.
  • Nutritional counseling — Proper nutrition is vital for your pet’s overall health and energy. Our team can provide tailored dietary recommendations based on age, breed, and health status.
  • Spaying and neutering — These surgeries prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain cancers and other health issues.
  • Weight assessment — Our team assesses your pet’s weight and body condition score (BCS) during a wellness examination, and if your four-legged friend is carrying a little excess weight, we can devise a safe and effective weight loss program to help the lose the pounds.

Managing chronic conditions in pets

Regular wellness exams are crucial for pets with chronic health issues. Diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease are conditions that require ongoing monitoring. Regular wellness exams allow us to:

  • Adjust medications 
  • Evaluate progress or changes
  • Provide support and education
  • Offer referrals to specialists when needed

Care for every pet life stage

Wellness care is tailored to your pet’s life stage. For example, a puppy or kitten requires more frequent wellness exams for deworming, vaccines and boosters, nutritional advice, and training and socialization recommendations. Senior pets may require aging support, including monitoring for health, cognition, and body condition score changes.

Empowering pet owners 

Regular veterinary visits can help protect your pet’s physical health and allow you to gain insight into their daily care. This knowledge can help you feel more confident and connected to your pet, fostering a deeper bond.

Wellness exams are an important aspect of maintaining your pet’s health and well-being and ensuring your four-legged friend lives a longer, healthier, and happier life. 

Is your best pet companion due for a wellness exam? Schedule an appointment with our Alisos Animal Hospital team. We are proud to be your partner in promoting optimal health for your furry friend.