Annual Comprehensive Wellness Exams for Dogs & Cats
Just like you see your doctor regularly, dogs and cats should be examined yearly by their veterinarian. Our doctors perform a comprehensive physical exam on your pet. They check your pet’s eyes, ears, coat, heart, and overall condition, looking for any changes that might affect your pet’s health.
Typically at these visits, vaccinations will be performed, and fecal samples may be analyzed for parasites. Also for dogs, the heartworm combination test is done (see in-house lab work for more information).
Geriatric/Senior Wellness Exams
(Recommended twice a year)
We consider a pet to be a senior patient once they reach 7 years of age. For large breed dogs, it is considered to be over the age of five. In just a short time a lot can change in a pet that is considered a “senior”, therefore we recommend that geriatric patients be seen at least twice a year.
At these visits, along with the comprehensive physical exam and vaccinations, we typically recommend senior blood work to check the organ functions of your older pet. We may also do x-rays or a urinalysis to help diagnose any unseen problems. Remember, your pet can not tell you if there is something wrong. Early detection may be the difference between a long happy life and one cut short by disease.
New Kitten & Puppy Wellness Exams
It is important to see your veterinarian with your new puppy or kitten when they are eight weeks old. Puppies and kittens are more susceptible to disease when they are young and vaccinating them early is the best prevention. You want to make sure your new addition is healthy. We also start deworming puppies and kittens at this first visit, because most kittens and puppies carry parasites. These parasites can harm you and your family if you are not careful.
Medical Exams for sick or injured animals
If your pet starts showing signs that they have a medical problem you should call us to make an appointment. If your pet stops eating, drinking, urinating, or defecating it could be having problems and should be seen by our veterinarian. If your pet has diarrhea, vomiting, or is lethargic for more than a day or two you should call us to set up an appointment.
Your pet can not tell you when they are sick, but there are signs to look for including those above and changes in behavior. If your pet gets injured (bite wounds, limping, lacerations, is hit by a car, or any other injury) you should call the office. Our talented doctors will work to diagnose the problem and propose treatment options.
Exams for Ferrets, Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Hamsters, and other small pocket pets
Dr. Underwood sees all our exotic furry friends. They perform examinations, vaccinations, and medical treatments on ferrets. They also do examinations and medical treatments for rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and mice.
