Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

Your vet at Veterinary Associates will give your cat or dog a comprehensive physical checkup in order to gain a total picture of their overall health. Routinely scheduled wellness exams at our Grenada animal hospital generally 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. 

Your pet's lymph nodes will be checked for any pain or swelling and well will also examine their abdomen to ensure that their intestines, kidneys, bladder spleen, liver and stomach all feel normal and that your pet isn't showing 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. 

Puppies & Kittens Checkups

Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start. 

We will give your new best friend a total physical examination, appropriate immunizations and deworming medication as needed. We will also test them for intestinal parasites. You will be provided with a kitten or puppy package filled with educational material, information, and product samples to help you care for the newest member of your family.

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.

Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots. 

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 excellent news for pets and their owners, it also means that special attention will need to be given to your companion's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet grows beyond middle age, routine exams will become increasingly crucial to making sure that they have 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.

Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.