Why does my pet need wellness exams?
Wellness exams help to prevent commonly treatable diseases and detect any health conditions as early as possible. The cost of prevention is often a fraction of the cost of treating a disease or problem once it has become more advanced, and early diagnosis and treatment of developing problems or diseases typically increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
How often does my pet need wellness exams?
The frequency of wellness exams will depend on your pet’s age and health. During puppy and kittenhood, frequent check-ups are important to ensure they’re developing normally, and to provide them with all of their early vaccines. For adult cats and dogs, wellness exams are recommended every six months, whilst senior pets and those with chronic health conditions may require check-ups more often.
What happens during a wellness exam?
Our 360-degree exam looks at everything from nose to tail, including oral (teeth and gums), ears, ophthalmologic (eyes), cardiothoracic (heart and lungs), as well as abdominal, and musculoskeletal examinations.
We’ll administer any vaccinations your pet needs, and once a year we’ll conduct regular diagnostic tests, such as fecal testing, blood work, heartworm and tick-borne testing. If you have a senior pet or one with medical concerns, more frequent diagnostic testing may be recommended.
At Small Door, we take an integrative approach to wellness care, and will also provide personalized recommendations for your pet’s nutrition, lifestyle and exercise habits during their wellness exams.