Pets are great additions to a family. They bring a lot of love and joy. If you are thinking about adopting a pet, you should understand that having a pet is a huge responsibility. Your pet will rely on you for everything, including food, shelter, love, and its health. When you bring your new pet home, the first thing you should do is schedule a wellness exam. At San Angelo Veterinary Hospital in San Angelo, TX, our team provides pet wellness exams to ensure that your pet stays healthy.
What Is Included in a Wellness Exam?
During your pet's visit to our animal hospital, our veterinarian will perform a complete exam to ensure it has no medical issues or underlying conditions. During the exam, our vet will check your pet's:
- Eyes
- Ears
- Teeth
- Mouth
- Fur
- Skin
We will also listen to your pet's heart and lungs and observe its gait. Since medical conditions can occur at any time during your pet's life, this exam is essential every year.
Lab Work
Our vet might order lab work during your pet's annual wellness exam. We might need to test a sample of your pet's urine and stool to test for any medical conditions or diseases. If our vet suspects that your pet has diabetes or another condition, we will order a blood test.
Weight Check
Pet obesity can cause serious health problems in animals. Dogs and cats can easily become obese from overfeeding or low levels of exercise. During your pet's annual wellness check, our vet will weigh your pet. If we are worried that your pet is overweight or obese, we will suggest a diet to help your pet lose weight. We will also give you advice regarding an exercise program. Since pet obesity can result in diabetes or heart disease, annual weight checks are essential.
Vaccinations
Your pet needs vaccinations if it is going to live a long and healthy life. Most of these immunizations are given when your pet is young. After, it will need a rabies vaccine every year. Not only is a rabies vaccine necessary in keeping your pet healthy, but most states require pets to have an annual rabies vaccine. If you plan to travel with your pet, you cannot do so without proof that its rabies vaccines are up-to-date.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Before you leave our animal hospital, you can purchase your pet's flea and tick medication. Preventative care is essential to your pet's health, so it needs flea and tick prevention medication all year long.
Questions and Concerns
It is common to have questions or concerns regarding your pet's diet, health, and behavior. During your pet's annual visit, you can bring up any questions or concerns you may have with our veterinarian.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in San Angelo, TX
Annual pet wellness exams are essential for your pet’s health. At San Angelo Veterinary Hospital in San Angelo, TX, we will make sure your pet is happy and healthy. We will answer any questions you have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.