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As the months of 2020 continue to speed by, your pet’s annual wellness examination may pop up on your calendar quicker than expected. You may think about postponing the appointment to later in the year. You may even think about skipping it since your furry friend is not sick, and you have not noticed any changes in weight, personality, or overall health. There is no harm in either, correct? Think again.
The reality is this – pets have natural instincts to hide that they are sick or that they are in pain. In the wild, showing any signs of weakness makes them vulnerable, so they will often mask an illness until the signs and symptoms are more advanced. The good news is that your Westfield Veterinary Group veterinarian is trained and experienced at noticing even the most subtle changes in your pet. This is why we encourage all pet parents to bring their cat, dog, or exotic animal to their scheduled wellness exam, no matter how great the pet seems to be doing.
How Annual Wellness Exams Help Your Pet
Wellness examinations are a nose-to-tail check-up designed to help monitor your pet’s health and look for early signs of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and obesity to name a few. Your Westfield Veterinary Group veterinarian will also examine your pet’s skin for lumps, bumps, and other irregularities that are difficult to detect at home. And our team doesn’t forget about those pearly whites. We will also examine your pet’s teeth and gums to determine if any oral health issues are present.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Wellness Exam
Depending on your pet’s specific needs, a wellness examination often includes any or all of the following:
- Full physical examination
- Weight check and body condition score
- Fecal exam (to check for intestinal parasites)
- Vaccinations (if due)
- Age-appropriate blood work
- Urinalysis
- Nutritional counseling
- Prevention prescriptions such as heartworms, flea and tick, etc.
- Other diagnostics as needed
Why a Wellness Examination is Important at Different Stages of Your Pet’s Life
When your pet is young, they must receive all vaccinations to prevent many of the common diseases that affect cats and dogs.
As your pet ages, wellness exams remain important as age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and organ and hormonal issues can occur and progress rapidly. Many senior pets are scheduled for a wellness examination every six months to help maintain optimal health.
At Westfield Veterinary Group, we aim to give you as many good years as possible with your pet through consistent wellness care. Take a moment to learn more about our wellness veterinary exams here.
If you do not have your pet’s wellness examination scheduled for 2020, contact either our Westfield or Union location today for an appointment. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
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