Cat & Dog Routine Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Checkup

Your vets in Deer Park will give your cat or dog a thorough physical checkup to get a complete picture of his or her general health. Routine pet checkups at our animal hospital include the following elements: 

General Condition

Did you know we can find clues to your pet's overall health by observing their physical condition and general demeanor? How they stand and walk, whether they are a healthy weight for their size and their level of alertness are all important indicators of general health. 

Coat & Skin

During your cat's or dog's checkup, we will check the coat for signs of issues, including excessive oiliness or dryness, bumps, lumps, abnormal hair loss, shedding or dandruff. 

Face & Head

We will examine your pet's eyes, ears and nose for discharge or abnormalities. The mouth will also be checked for symptoms of oral health issues such as periodontal disease or plaque buildup. 

Internal Health

Pulse, blood pressure, heart rhythm and rate are critical to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they are normal, then examine the lungs for evidence of abnormal breathing. 

Since lymph nodes will commonly become swollen and painful with illness, we will check these along with the abdomen to ensure the kidneys, intestines, spleen, liver, bladder and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not displaying any signs of discomfort. 

Review of Findings

When your pet's checkup is complete, your vet will take to address any questions or concerns either of you may have about your pet's overall health, and discuss your dog or cat's nutritional requirements. 

Checkups for Puppies & Kittens

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

We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and 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 terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their 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.