The AVMA has declared October to be National Pet Wellness Month as a way of raising awareness on the importance of regular wellness exams for your dog or cat. If you want to keep your pet as healthy as possible (and of course you do), keep reading to learn more about wellness exams near Prairie Ridge from the experts right here at Orting Animal Hospital. 

What to Expect During Your Pet’s Exam

In a basic physical exam, the vet will check your pet’s eyes, ears, skin, abdomen, and limbs for a range of possible health issues. Allergies, mange, gingivitis, cataracts, and arthritis are all examples of problems that can be caught early by a wellness exam. Likewise, these exams can reveal signs of poor nutrition, weight issues, or other “lifestyle” problems that you can correct. Remember that pets, especially dogs, are prone to hide illness or discomfort, making regular exams a vital way to detect problems they may be trying to conceal.

Common Wellness Tests

While the exam itself can check for a host of problems and warning signs, there are still some conditions that are best detected by testing. Urinalysis can detect crystal formation, infection, or poor kidney function. Blood work can catch the early signs of diabetes or anemia. And of course, a heartworm test is essential to detect the presence of these parasites before the damage to your pet is too severe.

Find a Vet and Get a Pet Wellness Exam Near Prairie Ridge Today

As attentive as you may be to your pet, there will likely always be one or more warning signs that will escape a layman’s notice. Your vet is a vital ally in detecting problems in the early stages when treatment is easiest and good outcomes more likely. So, if your pet hasn’t one lately, contact us to schedule a pet wellness exam near Prairie Ridge today.