A wellness exam is an annual checkup for your pet. During a wellness exam, your veterinarian will:
Weigh Your Pet
Your veterinarian will weigh your pet to track their weight over time. Weight gain or loss can be a sign of health problems, so it is important to monitor your pet’s weight regularly.
Take Your Pet’s Temperature
Your veterinarian will take your pet’s temperature to check for fever or other signs of illness. A normal temperature for dogs is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and a normal temperature for cats is between 100.5 and 102.0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Listen to Your Pet’s Heart and Lungs
Your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope to check for any abnormalities. A normal heart rate for dogs is between 60 and 120 beats per minute, and a normal heart rate for cats is between 120 and 240 beats per minute. A normal respiratory rate for dogs is between 15 and 30 breaths per minute, and a normal respiratory rate for cats is between 15 and 40 breaths per minute.
Check Your Pet’s Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Mouth
Your veterinarian will check your pet’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth for any signs of infection or disease. They will also check your pet’s teeth for tartar buildup and gum disease.
Check Your Pet’s Skin and Coat
Your veterinarian will check your pet’s skin and coat for any signs of parasites, allergies, or other skin problems. They will also check your pet’s coat for any mats or tangles.
Feel Your Pet’s Abdomen
Your veterinarian will feel your pet’s abdomen to check for any enlargement of the organs or masses. They will also check for any pain or tenderness.
Perform a Fecal Exam
Your veterinarian will perform a fecal exam to check for parasites, bacteria, or other signs of disease.
Discuss Your Pet’s Diet and Exercise Habits
Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s diet and exercise habits with you to make sure they are getting the nutrients and exercise they need to stay healthy.
Discuss Any Concerns You Have About Your Pet’s Health
This is your chance to ask your veterinarian any questions you have about your pet’s health. They will be able to answer your questions and provide you with advice on how to keep your pet healthy.
A wellness exam is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. By taking your pet for regular wellness exams, you can help to detect any health problems early on, when they are most easily treated.