The annual wellness screening for your pet is frequently referred to as a “checkup.” Your healthy dog should have these exams twice a year at most. Exams should be scheduled regularly to ensure your pet’s health and allow for the early detection of any diseases. To keep an eye on his health and detect any potential problems early, even a perfectly healthy dog should visit the vet regularly.

What does a pet check-up cover?

The following are components of a standard dog or cat annual check up. 

Vaccinations

Vaccination schedules for puppies and adult dogs can be obtained from your veterinarian. Distemper, leptospirosis, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and Bordetella are some of the diseases for which vaccinations are recommended (kennel cough). Rabies vaccination is needed to travel with a dog as part of the “Pet Passport” scheme.

Parasite treatment.

Tick, flea, and worm management are yet another area where prevention is superior to treatment. Remember that fleas and flea eggs can overwinter in your house and yard and that ticks can transmit disease. Your vet can advise you on keeping fleas and ticks away, tapeworms, and, if necessary, lungworms.

Treatment and prevention of bad behavior.

Any unusual or withdrawn behavior, including excessive barking, biting, or chewing your shoes while you turn your back, should be mentioned during your dog’s yearly exam. As long as you catch them early, these are usually treatable. If you take your pet to the vet, he or she might be able to give you some pointers or recommend a professional behaviorist. If you have a new puppy, ask your veterinarian about puppy training classes in your area.

Neutering

Dog and cat spaying should be a top priority when thinking about what’s best for him. Any adult dog you adopt will have previously been spayed or neutered. Then again, let’s say you’ve recently gotten a puppy or an adult dog that hasn’t been neutered. Your vet can provide you with info about neutering and aftercare for your dog’s continued health and happiness.

Dental treatment.

The vet will also inspect your dog’s teeth to check it out if and when they need to be cleaned. When it comes to senior dogs, dental care is crucial since infections in the mouth can disperse bacteria to other parts of the body, causing pain and illness. Talking to your doctor about how you can best care for your pet’s teeth at home is a great part of any dental exam. Yet another example of the truth is that prevention is always preferable to treatment.

Weight and physical condition.

Since canine obesity is so prevalent, it’s important to regularly monitor your pet’s health by performing home inspections and having them weigh in at the vet’s office. Obese dogs can get the care they need. Discuss a diet and exercise plan with your vet, or ask about weight loss options at your animal hospital. Your dog’s weight loss since their last checkup should be investigated.

Conclusion

After the exam and annual vaccines are complete, your vet will review the results. Your vet will discuss further diagnostics and treatment options with you if they find any cause for concern. Just imagine that the vet gives your pet a clean bill of health. Your veterinarian may have some suggestions regarding your pet’s nutrition, exercise regimen, dental care, and parasite avoidance in such a circumstance.