Cat & Dog Wellness Exams
The Importance of Veterinary Checkups
Regular wellness exams are an important part of helping your dog or cat maintain good long-term physical health.
When combined with regular vaccinations, preventive care, and proper nutrition, routine physical checkups help give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your furry friend in for routine checkups, our team can help prevent health issues from developing or diagnose them early. By addressing medical conditions early, when they are the most easily treated, we can help avoid more invasive, uncomfortable and costly treatments.
What to Expect During an Exam
During your cat or dog's routine exam at Barrhaven Veterinary Hospital, your veterinarian will give them a thorough physical checkup to get a comprehensive picture of their overall health. They will also check whether your dog or cat is due for routine vaccinations or preventive care.
Once your pet's exam has been completed, your veterinarian will discuss any concerns about their overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups at our Ottawa veterinary clinic typically include an examination of each of the following elements of your furry friend's health:
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General Condition
Your pet's appearance and movement can provide vital clues to their health. The way your pet stands, walks and runs, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
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Coat & Skin
During your cat or dog's physical examination, your veterinarian will examine their skin and coat for signs of issues, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss. These may indicate a medical condition like allergies.
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Face & Head
Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine the eyes, ears, and nose of your cat or dog. They will be looking for any abnormalities or unusual discharge in these areas.
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Teeth & Mouth
Your veterinarian will examine your pet's teeth and mouth for symptoms of oral health issues, such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease, to help determine if they require dental care.
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Internal Health
Your veterinarian will evaluate the health of your pet's heart by monitoring the heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure. This is to ensure that these are all normal. We will listen to the lungs to check for evidence of abnormal breathing.
The lymph nodes will be examined for pain or swelling, and we will also press on the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Wellness Exams for Puppies & Kittens
Early medical attention is essential to helping your puppy or kitten get off to a healthy start in life. Our team will perform a detailed physical examination of your new pet, provide immunizations and deworming medication as needed, and test for intestinal parasites.
After your puppy or kitten has completed their first wellness checkup, you will need to bring them in periodically for the required boosters. These will help them stay protected against serious but preventable diseases.
Learn More About Puppy & Kitten Care
Checkups for Seniors
As cats and dogs enter their golden years, regular examinations become increasingly important to ensure their good health and longevity. During a wellness exam, your veterinarian will be particularly watchful for signs of potential age-related conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis or cataracts.
Additional lab testing may be recommended for aging cats and dogs. This will provide a more detailed understanding of your senior pet's health.
New Patients Welcome
Our veterinary team would love to get to know your dog or cat and provide them with high-quality veterinary care. Contact us today to book an appointment for your companion.