The Importance of Preventive Care
Routine exams are vital to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
Combined with proper nutrition, vaccinations and parasite prevention, these routine examinations include regular physical checkups to offer your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you come in with your dog or cat for their routine checkup, we're able to prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your vet in Charlotte will give your dog or cat a physical checkup to capture a complete picture of his or her general health. Routine exams at our animal clinic cover these elements:
General Condition
Your pet's overall demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their general health. Their level of alertness, whether they are a healthy weight for their size and how they stand and walk are all important indicators of physical health.
Coat & Skin
We will examine your cat or dog's skin and coat for signs of issues, including excessive oiliness or dryness, dandruff, abnormal hair loss or shedding, bumps or lumps.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
In their first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens need proper medical attention to get off to a healthy start.
Your new best friend will receive a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We'll also test for intestinal parasites. You'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' full of educational material and samples to help you care for your newest family member.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have about caring for your newest four-legged family member, both during your appointments or between visits.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
While performing your pet's veterinary checkup at our Charlotte animal hospital, the vet will also confirm whether your animal requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.