Owning a pet is a big responsibility. You are tasked with ensuring the health and safety of your furry friend. One of the responsibilities is providing access to quality veterinary care. When your pet is sick or injured, you will visit the vet for help. However, just like people, pets need an annual wellness exam to make sure your furry friend is in good shape. Even if your pet appears healthy, a veterinarian will be able to see things you cannot. If you are in the Atlanta area, our team at PetWell Veterinary Healthcare is happy to assist you and your pet with their annual wellness exam.
What is Covered During an Annual Wellness Exam?
When taking your pet for its annual wellness checkup, you can expect the veterinarian to look at the following:
• Weight
To ensure your pet is within the proper range for its breed and age.
• Feet and Nails
To check for splitting, chipping, chafing, and other damage.
• Heart and Lungs
To listen for any abnormalities.
• Skin and Coat
To check for dryness, lumps, bugs, spots, and other irregularities.
• Eyes
To look for any cloudiness, discharge, or redness.
• Ears
To check for mites, infection, polyps, and wax build-up.
• Mouth
To look for tooth decay and gum issues.
• Abdominal Area
To see if the organs are normal and if there is any pain or swelling.
• Vaccinations
Annual vaccines will also be given during the checkup at an additional cost.
More may be done if you express any concerns or if the vet finds anything that warrants further examination. The vet may also recommend:
• CBC (complete blood test)
A check for dehydration, vitamin deficiency, kidney disease, and signs of cancer.
• Thyroid test
The vet will perform a test of the thyroid gland if there is weight gain, skin problems, or if the pet is sluggish.
• Urine test
We will check for disease.
If you have an older pet or large dog, the vet may also recommend doing x-rays or scans to rule out any bone or joint issues. It is vital to report any behavioral changes to your veterinarian at the annual wellness checkup. Changes in eating, sleeping, and bathroom habits are especially important.
Contact Our Veterinarians in Atlanta, GA
Your pet’s overall health is a serious matter. Our team at PetWell Veterinary Healthcare in Atlanta understands that. That is why we have a comprehensive healthcare facility with dedicated staff. Call our team today at (404) 856-7500 to learn more about our veterinary services or to schedule an appointment.
