At St. Francis Veterinary Hospital, our vets focus on preventative care during routine exams. Regularly scheduled dog and cat check-ups will ensure they remain in good health.
Preventive Care
Routinely scheduled wellness appointments are critical to helping your pet maintain their long-term health and well-being.
When combined with routine vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, regularly schedule routine vet appointments give your pet their best chance at lifelong health and happiness.
When you bring your pet in for their regular checkup, we can prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Our vet will give your pet a comprehensive physical examination in order to get a complete picture of their health. This exam will include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and behavior can all provide indicators to your vet about their physical condition. You pet's level of alertness, the way the walk or stand, and whether or not they are a health size and weight can all be important clues to your pet's health.
Coat & Skin
Throughout your cat or dog's checkup, our vet will carefully check your pet's skin and coat for signs of health issues including bumps, lumps, dandruff, excessive dryness or oiliness or shedding.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Your pet's heart rate, rhythm and pulse are all incredibly important indicators of their heart's health. We will test each of these in order to ensure they are normal. We will also check your pet's lungs for signs of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine 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.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
In their first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens require diligent medical attention in order to start off on the right foot.
We will provide your new best friend with a complete physical exam as well as the immunizations and deworming treatments they need. During your puppy or kitten's checkup, we will also test them for intestinal parasites.
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 pet's initial appointment is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Checkups for Senior Dogs & Cats
With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
As your pet ages, regular vet check-ups 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 age-related conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision. Additional laboratory tests will also provide information about your pet's overall health.
Vaccinations & Prevention
In the course of your pet's veterinary checkup, our vets will also check to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations or other preventative care.