The Importance of Preventive Care
To maintain good long-term physical health, your pet needs routine exams, or pet checkups, to ensure all is well.
Our vets combine routine examinations with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition to build a solid foundation for your dog or cat's healthcare. These regular physical checkups offer your pet the best chance at great lifelong health.
When your cat or dog sees us for their routine checkup, we're able to prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they can be treated most effectively.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your vet in Stockton will perform a thorough wellness exam to capture a snapshot of your dog or cat's overall health. These routine physical checkups include the following elements:
General Condition
Did you know your pet's physical condition and general demeanor can provide clues to their overall health? Whether they are a healthy weight for their size, their level of alertness and how they stand and walk are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
The vet will inspect your dog or cat's coat and skin for signs of issues, including shedding or abnormal hair loss, dandruff, excessive oiliness, bumps, lumps or dryness.
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 appropriate medical attention to help them get a healthy start in life.
We'll provide your new best friend a complete physical examination, deworming medication and required immunizations. Your pet will also be tested for intestinal parasites, and you'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' full of educational material and samples to help you care for your newest family member.
Please never hesitate to get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your four-legged companion, both during your appointments or in between visits.
Once your kitten or puppy has had their checkup, you'll come back 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 the veterinarian performs your pet's checkup at our animal hospital in Stockton, they will also confirm whether your animal needs preventive care or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.
