The Importance of Preventative Care
We all know that cats don’t like to show weakness, and dogs hide their pain well, so it can be hard to tell when there’s something wrong. Your vet knows all the signs and what to check for. Here’s what they’re looking for at a routine visit:
Physical Examination: This examination helps detect early signs of a wide range of health issues, allowing for prompt intervention and treatment. This includes:
Eyes: Checking for cloudiness, redness, discharge, or any signs of cataracts or other eye conditions.
Ears: Examining for redness, inflammation, discharge, or signs of ear mites or infections.
Coat and Skin: Checking for dryness, excessive shedding, bald spots, lumps, bumps, or any signs of skin infections or parasites.
Lymph Nodes: Palpating the lymph nodes to check for swelling, which can indicate an infection or other health issue.
Heart and Lungs: Listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal heart rhythms, murmurs, or respiratory issues.
Abdomen: Palpating the abdomen to check for any abnormalities in the organs.
Musculoskeletal System: Assessing the joints and limbs for any signs of pain, stiffness, or lameness.
Overall body Condition: Checking the pet's weight and looking for any signs of dehydration or malnourishment.
Vaccinations: Your vet will administer necessary vaccinations based on your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Parasite Prevention: Your vet will discuss and provide recommendations for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Dental Checkup: Your vet will examine your pet's teeth and gums for signs of dental disease. If they find anything wrong, you can relax because dog dental insurance is already included in your pet insurance plan with Embrace.
Nutritional Counseling: Your vet will discuss your pet's diet and provide recommendations for optimal nutrition.
Blood and Fecal Tests: Your vet might recommend blood and fecal tests to screen for internal parasites or underlying health conditions.
Discussion of Lifestyle and Behavior: Your vet will ask about your pet's daily routine, behavior, and any concerns you may have. This is a great chance to ask questions!
With such a detailed examination, you can have confidence that your vet will catch any potential issues early. When health issues are caught in their initial stages, they are often easier and less expensive to treat. It allows for timely adjustments in care, whether it's a change in diet, medication, or a more specialized treatment plan.