Veterinary Wellness Exams
Routine vet checkups help ensure your pet maintains excellent health. Our vets at East Bay Veterinary Clinic in Oakland are steadfast advocates of preventive care.
The Importance of Preventive Care
It's imperative that your pet have regularly scheduled wellness exams to help him or her maintain excellent long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and appropriate nutrition, these routine physical exams are one component of our pet wellness services. They involve regular checkups that give your pet the best chance at a healthy life.
When we see your pet for their regular checkup, health issues can be prevented or detected early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Preventing or treating illnesses or other conditions requires having a complete picture of your pet's physical health. Your cat's or dog's physical exam will include these elements:
General Condition
Did you know that your pet's general physical condition and demanour can give your vet clues to their overall health?
Their level of alertness, how they walk and stand, and whether they are at a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
Your pet's coat and skin will be inspected for any sign of problems, from dryness to excessive oiliness, dandruff, shedding, abnormal hair loss or lumps and bumps.
The health of your pet's skin or coat is a good indicator of overall health, and underlying stress or illness can have a negative impact on the appearance and texture of these areas.
Face & Head
The vet will examine your pet's eyes, ears and nose for discharge or abnormalities. The mouth will also be checked for plaque buildup, periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
Internal Health
Pulse, blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm are essential to your pet's heart health. These will be tested to ensure they're at normal levels before the vet assesses the lungs for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Your pet's lymph nodes will also be examined for swelling and pain. The abdomen will be pressed to ensure the bladder, kidneys, stomach, liver, spleen and intestines all feel normal, and that your pet is not displaying any symptoms of discomfort.
Puppies & Kittens
In their first few weeks of life, kittens and puppies need proper medical attention to get them off to a healthy start.
Bring your new best friend in for a complete physical examination, deworming medications and appropriate immunizations, in addition to tests for intestinal parasites, as part of our pet wellness services. We will also provide you with a kitten or puppy kit full of samples and educational materials to help you care for your newest family member.
Please don't 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 has had his or her initial exam, you'll bring them back periodically for required booster shots.
Seniors
Our senior pets are enjoying significantly longer lives, thanks to recent advances in veterinary care and knowledge, in addition to better nutrition and newer therapies.
As your pet enters their golden years, regular examinations become increasingly essential to ensure their continued health and longevity.
Along with the routine wellness procedures we complete for all adult pets, special attention will be given to any potential age-related conditions your senior pet may have.
Age-related conditions can include decreased vision or arthritis. Additional laboratory tests will also provide information regarding your pet's general health.
Vaccinations & Prevention
Is your pet due for his or her routine vaccinations? Your veterinarian will determine whether they require preventive care during the routine physical exam.