Did you know that our animal companions age FIVE to TEN times as fast as we do? That’s why it’s so important for every pet to have an annual wellness check!
A wellness check is a routine medical examination of a patient that is otherwise healthy. The focus of a wellness visit is the cultivation of optimal health. Regular wellness checks are a key component in maintaining your pet’s quality of life because they allow us to detect early-stage medical conditions and treat them with less difficulty to the pet, less expense to the owner, and a better overall recovery rate.
We recommend every pet be seen at least once a year for a wellness check. Some pets, such as puppies/kittens and those requiring ongoing medical treatment, should be seen more frequently than once a year. For senior/geriatric pets over 7 years of age, our doctors strongly encourage a wellness check every six months.
Nose-to-Tail Exam
At your wellness exam, your pet will receive a comprehensive “nose-to-tail” physical examination, where our doctors and support staff will:
- Take a history: past treatments, current medications, etc.
- Record vital signs: weight, temperature, pulse, respiration
- Listen to the heart and lungs
- Look into the eyes, ears, and nose
- Examine the skin, coat, and paws
- Examine the mouth, teeth, and gums
- Palpate vital organs and lymph nodes
- Observe movement, limb, and joint health
Your Pet’s Health Profile
During your pet’s wellness exam, we’ll look for any problems or abnormalities, and discuss any changes you may have noticed since your pet’s last visit. This is a good time for you to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you may have. This will help us to develop a health profile unique to your pet.
We will also address:
- Dietary needs
- Preventative care, based on lifestyle
- Recommended diagnostics
- Behavior and enrichment needs
We’ll review all of these findings with you at the end of your exam and develop a personalized treatment plan for your pet moving forward to ensure the highest degree of personal care.
Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Exam
At Animal Hospital of San Luis Obispo, we care about your pet’s wellness just as much as you do. We understand that your pet is a part of your family and deserves gentle care from experienced professionals. Whether your pet is a new or current patient of ours, we always look forward to seeing you and helping your pet down the road to wellness. Call 805-543-0985 today to schedule your pet’s wellness exam!
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