With a focus on preventive care, our vets at Spring House Animal Hospital perform routine exams. These checkups help ensure your pet stays in good health.
Preventive Care
Routine exams are vital to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
We combine these regularly scheduled physical pet checkups with vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition to give your cat or dog the best chance at lifelong health.
When you bring your pet in to our animal hospital for a regular checkup, we're able to prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or detect them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
During your cat's or dog's regular checkup, the pet will give your pet a thorough physical examination to capture a complete picture of his or her overall health. A physical exam includes these elements:
General Condition
Did you know your vet can get clues to your pet's overall health by observing their physical condition and general demeanour?
Their level of alertness, weight in relation to their size and how they stand and walk are all reliable, important indications of health.
Coat & Skin
Health issues often present in a cat's or dog's coat or skin, so both of these will be checked thoroughly for lumps, bumps, abnormal hair loss, shedding, dryness, excessive oiliness or dandruff.
Face & Head
The vet will examine your pet's eyes, ears and nose for discharge or abnormalities. We'll also inspect the mouth for any symptoms of oral health problems such as buildup of plaque or advanced periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Pulse, heart rhythm and rate, and blood pressure are all incredibly important to your pet's heart health. These will be tested to ensure they're normal. The vet will also examine the lungs to determine whether your pet is breathing normally.
Because swollen or painful lymph nodes often indicate health issues, these will also be checked, along with the intestines, abdomen, stomach, liver, spleen, bladder and kidneys to ensure they all feel normal, and that your pet is not displaying any signs of discomfort.
Puppies & Kittens
To get off to a health start in life, kittens and puppies need appropriate medical attention in their first few weeks of life.
During this checkup, your new puppy or kitten will get a complete physical examination, deworming medication and required immunizations. You'll also receive a puppy or kitten kit full of educational material and samples to assist you in caring for your newest family member.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new furry bundle, both during your appointments or in between visits.
Once your pet has had his or her initial appointment, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
Recent advances in veterinary medical care and knowledge, in addition to better nutrition, newer therapies and targeted treatments have our senior pets living longer than ever.
While veterinarians and pet owners have cause to celebrate, regular checkups also become increasingly important as your cat or dog ages to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
Along with routine wellness procedures performed on all adult pets, special attention is given to your senior pet's potential age-related conditions, including decreased vision and arthritis. Additional laboratory tests can reveal valuable information.
Sick Exams
Is your pet experiencing a symptom related to a chronic health issue or undiagnosed illness? Our experienced vets can treat these symptoms on an as-needed basis and provide seasoned advice, guidance and care.