Wellness Visits
Yearly consult and wellness exam
Most of the time, you bring a healthy pet to the veterinarian. These wellness visits provide the preventative care that keeps your pet active and fit.The nature of the visits will change at different stages of your pet’s life.
Puppy and Kitten Wellness
The care a young pet receives in the first year of life is critical for healthy mental and physical development. The visits usually start when the pet is about 2 months old.
These visits will provide the core vaccinations that your pet needs, (see Vaccinations). Diagnostic tests will also be given, along with preventative medications for heart worm and flea and tick prevention (see Parasite Prevention). Your veterinarian will explain the importance of oral hygiene and proper nutrition.
The veterinarian will also discuss spaying or neutering your pet and arrangements can be made for these surgeries. The best time for these procedures is when the pet is between 6-8 months of age, (see Spay and Neuter).
Young pet visits are a good time to ask questions about how to train and socialize your pet. You can also discuss any behavioral concerns you may have.
Adult Wellness
Annual visits to the veterinarian are a great idea for your healthy, adult pet. These preventative visits help the veterinarian anticipate and address problems before they occur. The visit can include dental care, updating vaccinations, check for internal parasites, microchipping or checking on its placement, and addressing behavior or weight issues. It is a good idea to make the most of these yearly visits.
Before the appointment, write down questions, concerns and observations that you have. Consider these topics :
- Is your pet eating well and eliminating regularly ?
- Is your pet getting exercise ?
- Has your pet’s mood or actions changed ?
- Are there behaviors that you would like to discuss ?
- Is your pet up to date on vaccinations ?
- Has your pet been exposed or will be exposed to boarding situations or traveling ?
For the appointment, make sure you have the following :
- A leash or a crate.
- Collar, identification and license.
- Immunization record.
- Stool sample to check for parasites.
- Treats or toys that your pet enjoys.
Senior Wellness
Because of better health care, pets are living longer. But older pets also have increased health concerns. If your dog is over 7 years of age, or has an ongoing medical condition, it is important to consider semi-annual appointments with the veterinarian. It gives you the chance to ask questions, and the veterinarian is able to diagnose and manage problems.
Older pets can develop many of the same problems that humans encounter. These can include cancer, heart disease, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, arthritis, joint and bone disease, weakness, and senility. Each problem requires diagnosis and treatment. Older pets often need to change diets. They require different caloric levels and additional nutrients. The veterinarian will be able to monitor your pet’s weight and make suggestions concerning diet and weight control. Maintaining mobility is often a challenge with older pets. It is important the pets are exercised regularly to maintain physical and mental health. Accommodations might also have to be made if stairs become challenging.
Pet behavior can often indicate a medical condition. Take note of behavior changes such as: increased reaction to sound; increased vocalization; increased protective behavior or aggression; soiling in the house; wandering; confusion; and disorientation. Coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, vomiting, and change in appetite can also be symptoms of disease. Keep a record of these signs and then discuss them with your veterinarian. Older pets may experience arthritis or other painful conditions. It is important to never give your pet human medications. These can trigger a fatal reaction. Your veterinarian will be able to suggest treatment. If the quality of your pet’s life declines because of age or disease you may have to discuss the topic of euthanasia with your veterinarian, (see Euthanasia).
How do you calculate the age of your pet ?
Cats and small dogs (under 20 lbs.) are considered to age about 6.5 years for every human year. A 7-year old cat or small dog would have a human equivalent of 45 years. At 10 years, their human equivalent age would be 58 years; at 15 years, the human equivalent would be 75 years; at 20 years, the human equivalent age would 98 years.
Medium-sized dogs (between 21-50 lbs.) age a bit faster. A 7-year old medium-sized dog would have the human equivalent of 47 years. At 10 years, their human equivalent age would be 60 years; at 15 years, the human equivalent would be 83 years; at 20 years, the human equivalent age would 105 years.
Large-dogs (51-90 lbs.) and very large dogs (90 lbs. and more) age even more quickly.A 7-year old large-sized dog would have the human equivalent of 50 years; a very large dog would have the human equivalent of 57 years. At 10 years, a large dog would be at the human equivalent age of 66 years and very large dog would be 78 years; at 15 years, the human equivalent would be 93 years and a very large dog 115 years; at 20 years, a large dog would have the human equivalent age would 120 years.
You have made a commitment to care for your pet for its lifetime. It is important to find a veterinary practice that you trust to care for your pet throughout all the stages of their life.
Contact us to ask questions about health care for your pet and to schedule an appointment.