Routine Pet Checkups in Gravenhurst
Regular wellness exams are critical to helping maintain your loyal companion's good, long-term health.
When routine physical checkups are combined with regular vaccinations and preventive care, as well as proper nutrition, your pet is far more likely to experience excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your cat or dog in for routine checkups, your veterinarian can help prevent health issues from developing in the first place, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During an Exam
During your pet's routine exam at Muskoka Bay Animal Clinic, your veterinarian will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup to get a comprehensive picture of their overall health.
Your veterinarian will also check whether your dog or cat is due for any routine vaccinations or preventive care and, if that is the case, administer the vaccines.
Once your pet's exam has finished, your veterinarian will discuss in detail any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and break down their nutritional requirements.
Pet checkups at our veterinary clinic typically include an examination of each of the following elements:
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General Condition
A cat or dog's general demeanour and physical state can provide vital clues to their overall health. The way your pet stands and walks, their level of alertness, and their weight in relation to size all act as overall health indicators.
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Coat & Skin
During your cat or dog's routine checkup, your veterinarian will examine their fur and skin for symptoms of health issues, such as excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or unusual hair loss.
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Face & Head
Your pet's checkup will feature an examination of their eyes, ears, and nose. Your veterinarian will look for anything out of the ordinary, including abnormal discharge, in these areas.
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Teeth & Mouth
Our veterinarian will check the mouth and teeth for any signs of oral health concerns like plaque buildup or periodontal disease to help determine whether your pet requires dental care.
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Internal Health
Heart rate, rhythm, and pulse are crucial elements of your pet's heart health. We'll palpate these to ensure that they're normal. Then, the lungs will be auscultated for evidence of unusual breathing.
We will palpate the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal. Lastly, we will examine your pet's lymph nodes for pain or swelling and observe whether they're displaying any signs of discomfort.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Proper medical attention is essential for puppies and kittens during their first few weeks of life. Our team will perform a detailed physical examination, provide immunizations, and administer deworming medication as needed. We will also check for intestinal parasites if warranted, though this is not a standard requirement for every check-up.
Once your puppy or kitten's first checkup has concluded, they will need to visit us periodically for their required booster vaccines.
Checkups for Senior Cats & Dogs
As pets enter their senior years, regular examinations become increasingly important when it comes to maintaining their good health and longevity. During your aging pet's routine wellness exam, your veterinarian will be especially alert for any signs of potential age related conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, or decreased vision.
Additional lab testing may be recommended for senior pets in order to obtain a detailed diagnosis of their condition, with the goal of providing you with a targeted treatment plan.