Cat & Dog Wellness Exams
The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are a critical part of helping your pet to maintain good long-term physical health and well-being.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these routine examinations include regular physical checkups to give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When bringing your cat or dog in for their routine checkup, we are able to prevent health issues from developing in your pet in the first place or catch them as they are developing and while they're at their most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Yucaipa vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general condition and demeanor can provide us with helpful clues about their overall health. The way your pet stands and walks, their weight when compared to their size and breed and their degree of alertness are all key indicators of their overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's physical checkup, we will examine their skin or coat for signs of any issues common to dogs or cats, including dandruff, excessive oilkiness or dryness, lumps, bumps, abnormal hair loss or shedding.
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
Your pet's heart rate, pulse, rhythm and blood pressure are all critically important factors in their heart's health. We will test each of these to make sure that they are at normal levels. Your pet's lungs will then be examined for any 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 companion's routine wellness checkup, our vet will take some time to discuss any concerns they encountered with you. They will also speak with you about any special nutritional requirements your cat or dog might have.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Kittens and puppies need proper medical attention throughout their first few weeks of like in order to get their lives off to a health start.
We will provide your new best friend with a comprehensive physical examination, deworming treatments and any appropriate immunizations. We will also test them for intestinal parasites. You will be provided with a kitten or puppy "kit" by our vets filloed with educational materials and samples to help you take care of the newest member of your family.
Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advancements in veterinary care and medical knowledge, in addition to newer dietary and therapeutic technologies, our pets are living longer now than they ever have before.
While this is incredible news for your pet and you, it also means that our vets will need to give special attention to your companion's routine healthcare as they grow older. As your pet grows beyond middle age, their routine wellness exams become increasingly important to ensuring their health and well-being as they continue to age.
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
During your pet's veterinary checkup with us, our Yucaipa vet will also check in on whether your companion requires any preventative care or if they are due for routine vaccinations or parasite prevention treatments.