We recommend regular wellness exams for similar reasons your physician and dentist do - if we can detect a problem in its early stages, it is more likely to be treated and resolved with less expense, less difficulty, and better success.  

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Vaccinations, heartworm prevention, routine deworming, and flea and tick prevention are important components to wellness care and can prevent diseases that are not only life-threatening, but very expensive to treat.  

But what about the physical exam?  A physical exam is the single most important part of prevention for our animals.  Pets, like dogs and cats, age faster than humans.  Dogs age at a rate of 7 times faster and our small pocket pets age even faster!  For them an annual exam isn't enough. 

We recommend bringing your pets in for a wellness exam twice a year, more often if they have certain medical conditions.  Pets can't tell us how they feel, so a physical exam and screening is essential to identify problems that could easily go unnoticed by even the most astute owner.   

During a biannual physical exam, we will ask questions about your pet's lifestyle, diet, exercise, behavior, bathroom habits, and more.  

Your pet's physical exam will include:

• ophthalmic exam (eye exam)
• otoscopic exam (ear exam)
• oral exam/dental evaluation
• lymph node palpation and assessment
• skin and nail exam
• auscultation of heart and lungs
• abdominal palpation 
• orthopedic assessment
• neurologic assessment
• behavior assessment
• body condition and weight

At this visit your pet may undergo routine tests for heartworms, tick born diseases, or intestinal parasites.  They may also get their wellness screening tests run.  

During the exam, we will make recommendations for your pet's health.  We may suggest certain vaccinations, a diet or exercise program, behavior training, or another treatment.  

By partnering with us every six months, you give your pet the best chance at living a long, healthy life!