What is a Wellness Exam for Dogs?
At Maple Grove Pet Hospital, our Dog Wellness Exams are designed to help your canine companion live their happiest, healthiest life. Through comprehensive physical assessments, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, dental care, and specialized senior wellness services, our Maple Grove veterinary team can detect hidden diseases and conditions early. Annual wellness checkups allow us to establish baselines for your dog’s normal health and closely monitor any changes as they age.
Dogs age much faster than humans, so regular exams are crucial for catching age-related issues like arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney/liver problems early when they are most treatable. Investing in your dog’s preventive care through wellness exams ensures we can take a proactive approach to their health for many happy, healthy years together.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Wellness Exam
During your pet’s wellness exam, our dedicated veterinary team will perform a thorough assessment to ensure your dog is in the best possible health. Here’s what you can expect during your dog’s wellness exam:
- Physical Assessment: We conduct a comprehensive physical assessment, checking your dog from nose to tail. This examination allows us to identify any physical abnormalities, pain, or discomfort.
- Vaccinations and Preventives: We ensure that your dog receives the appropriate vaccinations and preventives tailored to their specific needs. This helps protect them from common diseases and parasites.
- Diagnostic Workup: Depending on your dog’s age and health status, we may perform diagnostic tests, including blood, fecal, and urine tests. These tests help us check for parasites and underlying diseases, even before symptoms appear.
- Dental Care: We may recommend dental care for your dog and their oral health. Dental issues can impact your dog’s overall well-being, and addressing them is a crucial part of our wellness services.
- Senior Wellness: As your dog approaches their senior years, we recommend a baseline exam and diagnostic panel. These tests can establish what’s normal for your dog, allowing us to monitor any changes closely.
The Importance of Annual Wellness Exams
Dog wellness exams are vitally important to ensure your beloved canine companion gets the preventative healthcare they need to live a long, happy, and healthy life by your side. Routine wellness exams offer a range of benefits for you and your pet, including:
- Establishing baseline health levels for your dog to monitor any changes over time
- Detecting potential health issues or emerging conditions early when they are most treatable
- Dogs age much faster than humans, so diseases like arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney problems can progress rapidly if not caught promptly
- Diagnostic tests like bloodwork, urinalysis, etc. help check for underlying conditions before symptoms appear
- Providing routine preventative care like vaccinations and parasite control
- Dogs are experts at masking signs of illness or pain, so wellness exams are often the only way to identify hidden medical problems before they become serious
What Will My Veterinarian Check During a Wellness Physical Exam?
During a dog wellness exam, our veterinarians typically check for the following:
- Overall physical condition (body weight, skin/coat, eyes, ears, nose, etc.)
- Dental health and need for cleaning/treatment
- Proper heart and lung function
- Any abnormalities, lumps, or areas of pain/discomfort
- Internal parasites through fecal testing
- External parasites like fleas, ticks, etc.
- Underlying diseases or conditions through blood testing
- Urinalysis to check kidney/bladder health
- Mobility and joint issues, especially in senior dogs
- Up-to-date on core vaccinations (rabies, distemper, etc.)
- Need for preventative medications (heartworm, flea/tick, etc.)
- Nutritional assessment and body condition scoring
- Behavioral or cognitive changes, especially in older dogs
- Any other concerns or issues reported by the owner
- Recommendations for future preventative care
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Wellness Exam
Preparing your dog for a wellness exam can help the visit go smoothly and allow your veterinarian to fully assess your pup’s health. A few days before the appointment, make a list of any questions, concerns, or observations you want to discuss with the vet, such as changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels.
On the day of the exam, make sure your dog is bathed and groomed so the vet can easily inspect their skin and coat. Withhold food for a few hours before the visit in case the vet needs to take blood samples. Pack any treats, toys, or accessories that may help your dog feel more comfortable at the vet’s office. You’ll also want to have your dog on a secure leash or in a crate for everyone’s safety. Staying calm and offering lots of praise during the exam can help your pup stay relaxed through any handling or procedures. Following these simple tips will ensure your veterinarian can thoroughly evaluate your furry friend during their wellness checkup.
Schedule Your Dogs Annual Wellness Exam Today!
Annual checkups for dogs offer peace of mind and valuable health insights. Invest in your beloved canine’s long-term health by scheduling a wellness exam at Maple Grove Veterinary Hospital today.