The Importance of Preventive Care
Bringing your pet in for routine wellness exams allows our Huntsville veterinarians to prevent health issues from developing in your pet and catch any emerging issues early while they are the most treatable.
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.
A healthy diet will increase your pet’s energy level and improve their quality of life. Your veterinarian can offer nutritional counseling to help you determine a healthy diet for your pet based on age, weight, activity level, and any existing medical conditions.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
When you bring your pet into for a wellness exam your 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 demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or 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
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 Huntsville
To get off to the best start, puppies and kittens need the proper medical care in the first few months of their lives.
When you bring your new best friend for their first visit we will give them a complete physical examination, the appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites.
We will also provide you with a puppy or kitten 'kit' with all the information you need to give them the best care possible.
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.
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.
Your vet may recommend additional testing to screen for potential geriatric health concerns.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our Huntsville animal hospital, your vet will also let you know if your pet is due for any routine vaccinations or parasite preventive medications.