It may seem like a chore to book a routine exam for your healthy pet, but regular checkups can be an important tool for detecting early symptoms of illness, internal damage and other serious conditions. Our vets in Fort Worth explain why regular veterinary checkups are essential.
Why are routine vet checkups important?
You should book a routine physical exam for your pet with your veterinarian once or twice a year, even when your pet appears perfectly healthy. These wellness checkups help your pet achieve and maintain their ideal health.
By taking your healthy cat or dog to the vet regularly, you allow your veterinarian to assess their baseline health, so they know how to identify if something is wrong in the future. They are also about to test for diseases and illnesses that can be difficult to identify in their early stages, such as cancers and parasites. The earlier these conditions are treated, the better.
During the checkup, your vet has two goals: to prevent health issues from developing where possible, and to spot early symptoms of disease so that they can be treated before they develop into more serious problems.
How often should my pet attend a vet checkup?
Your pet's medical history and age will determine how often your pet should see the veterinarian for a checkup.
If your cat, dog, or other animal has a history of illness but is currently healthy, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian twice a year or more to ensure your pet remains as healthy as possible. Senior animals may also require a checkup with a veterinarian twice or more times per year in order to maintain their health or treat chronic conditions.
As a puppy or kitten's immune system is still developing, they may be susceptible to illnesses that adult pets are easily able to overcome. For this reason, the vet may suggest monthly checkups for the few months of the animal's life.
Typically, an adult dog or cat with no history of illness should see us for a vet checkup on a yearly basis.
How to Prepare
Your vet will need the following basic medical information about your canine or feline companion, especially if this is your pet's first visit. Bring notes on your pet's:
- Eating and drinking habits
- Recent travel history
- Current medications (names and doses)
- Past medical records, including vaccine history
- Tick bites
- Food (what kind do they eat)
- Toilet habits
You may also want to bring a favorite blanket or toy to comfort your pet.
Cats should always be brought to the vet in a secure carrier, and dogs should always be on a leash.
What does a checkup for pets involve?
When you take your pet to the veterinarian, his or her medical history will be reviewed, and the vet will ask if you have any concerns. They will also inquire about your pet's diet, exercise routine, thirst level, bowel movements, and urination, among other aspects of their lifestyle and behavior.
In some cases, you’ll be asked to collect and bring along a fresh sample of your pet’s feces (bowel movement) so a fecal exam can be completed. These exams help to identify if intestinal parasites are present. These parasites may otherwise be difficult to detect.
Next, the vet will physically examine your pet. While this will usually cover the following points, the vet may take time to do more depending on your pet’s needs:
- Measuring your pet’s gait, stance, and weight
- Using a stethoscope to listen to your pet’s lungs and heart
- Looking into the eyes for signs of cloudiness, discharge, excessive tearing, cloudiness or redness. Will also look for issues with eyelids
- Checking for any signs of illness by feeling along your pet’s body (palpating). These symptoms include lameness or limited range of motion, or signs of swelling or pain
- Feeling the abdomen to check whether internal organs appear normal, and to check for signs of pain or discomfort
- Checking your pet’s nails and feet for signs of significant health concerns or damage
- Examining your pet’s ears for signs of wax buildup, polyps, ear mites or bacterial infection
- Inspecting the condition of the teeth for any indications of decay, damage or periodontal disease
- Examining your furry companion’s coat to assess overall condition, as well as look for signs of abnormal hair loss or dandruff
- Inspecting your cat’s or dog’s skin for numerous issues — from bumps or lumps (especially in folds of skin) to dryness and parasites
If no issues are detected along the way, your vet can likely run through this list quickly. If an issue is identified, your vet will explain what they have noticed and recommend next steps or potential treatments.
Annual vaccinations are also administered during a cat or dog checkup, based on your animal’s appropriate schedule.
Additional Wellness Testing Recommended for Pets
Along with the basic checkup exam points mentioned above, the veterinarian may recommend additional wellness testing. Remember that, in most cases, early detection and treatment of disease are less expensive and invasive than treating the condition after it has progressed.
Tests for blood count, thyroid hormone, and other diagnostic testing such as X-rays and imaging may be done.
Ending the Vet Checkup
Once your pet has been examined, tested and given their annual vaccines, your vet will dedicate time to explaining their findings to you.
If the veterinarian has found any signs of injury or illness, they will recommend more detailed diagnostics or potential treatment options to help.
If your pet is healthy overall, this discussion may focus on improvements to exercise and diet routines, caring for your pet’s oral health, and checking that essentials such as appropriate parasite prevention are monitored.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.