At Stanton Pet Hospital in Stanton, California, we prioritize your pet’s health. Regular wellness exams are crucial as they form the foundation of preventive care, ensuring your pet enjoys a long, healthy, and happy life.

Why Wellness Exams Are Essential for Your Pet’s Health

What is a Wellness Exam?

A wellness exam is a comprehensive preventive health checkup for your pet. During the exam, your veterinarian will assess your pet’s overall health, look for early signs of disease, and ensure that all vaccinations are up to date. The goal of these exams is to identify potential health issues early, which can lead to more successful treatments and enhance your pet’s quality of life.

Benefits of Wellness Exams

  • Preventive Care: These exams allow veterinarians to tackle minor health concerns before they evolve into more severe problems.
  • Early Detection: Identifying diseases like kidney or heart disease early can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and improve health outcomes.

Learn more about the importance of wellness exams from the AVMA.

Key Components of a Wellness Exam

Physical Examination

The physical exam includes a thorough check of your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, skin, heart, lungs, weight, coat condition, and overall body condition. This examination helps in detecting any visible signs of disease, parasites, or abnormalities.

Vaccinations and Preventive Treatments

  • Core and Non-Core Vaccines: These are updated based on your pet’s lifestyle and exposure risks.
  • Parasite Control: It’s crucial to ensure your pet receives preventive treatments for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites.

Diagnostic Tsting

  • Blood Tests: These tests assess internal health, including liver and kidney function, thyroid levels, and the presence of infections.
  • Urine and Fecal Tests: These tests check for conditions such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal issues.

Understand the importance of blood work for your dog.

Weight and Nutritional Assessment

  • Body Condition Score: This involves checking your pet’s weight and body condition, offering advice on maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Dietary Recommendations: Tailored recommendations are provided to address any weight issues or health concerns.

Age-Specific Wellness Considerations

Puppies and Kittens: Establishing a Healthy Start

  • Frequent Exams: Essential during the first year to monitor growth and ensure vaccinations are on schedule.
  • Vaccination and Socialization: Early visits help to establish good health and socialization habits.

Adult Pets: Sustaining Health and Preventive Care

  • Annual Checkups: For pets under 7 years old, annual exams help to update vaccinations and assess overall health.
  • Focus on Preventive Care: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and effective parasite prevention can prevent common health issues.

Senior Pets: Addressing Age-Related Conditions

  • Bi-Annual Checkups: These are crucial for pets over 7 years old to monitor age-related issues such as arthritis and kidney disease.
  • Targeted Testing: Additional diagnostic tests may be necessary for comprehensive health tracking.

Explore recognizing senior pet health problems.

The Importance of Blood Work in Wellness Exams

Insights from Blood Tests

Blood tests are vital as they provide insights into the health of organs like the liver, kidneys, and thyroid and can uncover hidden issues such as diabetes or anemia.

Regular blood testing is crucial for the early detection of chronic conditions, allowing for proactive management and more effective treatments.

Risks of Skipping a Wellness Exam

Potential for Undiagnosed Conditions and Higher Costs

Forgoing wellness exams can increase the risk of diseases like heart disease or cancer going unnoticed, as these conditions often develop gradually.

Detecting health issues early is generally more cost-effective. Skipping regular exams can lead to more severe health conditions that are more expensive to treat later.

Your Pet’s Wellness Exam: What to Expect

Before the Exam

Come prepared with any concerns about changes in your pet’s appetite or behavior, and keep a record of their diet and exercise routines.

During the Exam

The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical exam, check vital signs, perform diagnostic tests, and discuss any concerns. Vaccinations and parasite treatments are also administered during the visit.

After the Exam

The veterinarian will go over the findings, explain the next steps, and provide recommendations for follow-up care or treatments.

Benefits of Regular Wellness Exams

Early Detection Saves Lives

Detecting conditions like infections or organ failure early can significantly improve prognosis and enable more effective treatments. Regular exams help ensure your pet remains active and healthy, addressing potential health issues before they cause discomfort.

Cost-Effective Healthcare

Preventive care helps to minimize the need for expensive treatments or emergency visits, effectively managing health and reducing long-term costs.

Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Exam Today

Take Action for Your Pet’s Health

Scheduling a wellness exam is a critical step in caring for your pet’s health. Regular checkups are essential for their well-being and can prevent serious health issues from developing.

Get in Touch with Stanton Pet Hospital

Visit our Request an Appointment page to book a wellness exam and ensure a healthier future for your pet.