Health checks ensure your pets are healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations.
What are Health Checks for pets?
Health checks for pets are full physical examinations conducted by your veterinarian. They include a range of examinations to check if your pet is healthy. Generally, vets recommend that pets undergo a full health check once a year; for pets older than 10 years, 6 monthly health checks are ideal. Like humans, pets need regular health check-ups even if they appear healthy and normal. During the health check-up, it’s also a good chance for you to seek professional advice from the vet about anything you’re concerned about, such as your pet’s well-being, behaviour, or diet.
A health check for your pet is usually conducted together in the same appointment as their regular annual vaccinations. However, if your pet has certain health issues or is of senior age, they may require more frequent health checks. Besides annual health checks, if your pet shows any signs of disease, infection, or illness, bring them to a vet immediately for an examination.
If you’ve recently adopted or purchased a pet, it is best to bring your pet for a full health check as soon as possible as you may be unaware of their medical history. This is especially important if they have symptoms such as skin issues, scratching, phlegm, vomiting, or even behavioural issues.
Although health checks can differ from pet to pet, in general, a health check typically includes the following:
Body temperature check
Heart rate check
Weight
Eye examination
Ear examination
Dental examination
Skin or fur examination
Lymph nodes and limbs examination
Joints and movement examination
Checking for signs of fleas or parasites
Abdomen or other body parts examination
Pet well-being, such as nutrition and behaviour
Routine health checks for pets help ensure they are healthy and allow them to receive treatment or medication if necessary.
How do Health Checks for pets work?
As a health check for your pet may take some time, it is best to schedule an appointment at the vet clinic. Your vet will conduct the health check and provide you with advice or guidance for further tests, vaccinations, or procedures such as dental scaling and polishing or an ultrasound if required.
Benefits of Pets Health Checks
Ensures that your pet is healthy and free from disease or illness
Allows your vet to monitor your pet’s health and further advise on necessary tests or procedures
Facilitates preventative medicine or treatment early on
Provides you with peace of mind or a plan of action if your pet needs further medical treatment
What conditions can Pets Health Checks identify?
When done annually, health checks can keep your pet healthy and safe. It allows your vet to check for warning signs of illnesses and can treat a wide range of common conditions. Although your pet may appear healthy, there could be underlying issues that only an experienced vet can diagnose.
A health check can help identify these conditions so you can start treatment as soon as possible. Common conditions that pets frequently experience include:
Your vet can conduct a full check-up for your pet, including a skin and fur exam, eye and dental exam, and more.
Regular health checks for your pets ensure they live a long, healthy, and happy life.
What results can be expected from Pets Health Checks?
During a health check, you can expect that your pet may be stressed and resistant to the examination. Don’t worry, as our vets are experienced in handling all types of pets. They will ensure that your pet receives the required health check and can advise you further, depending on your pet’s condition. Taking your pet for regular annual examinations helps them adjust to the vet’s clinic.
You can expect to receive feedback on your pet’s health, and if necessary, your vet may recommend booking further tests or examinations such as X-ray or ultrasound. Your pet may also be prescribed preventative medicine if they show warning signs of certain conditions. You should expect to provide the vet with necessary information on your pet, such as behaviour, eating habits, diet, lifestyle, etc.
How many sessions of health checks are needed?
In general, health checks are done in one session. However, if your pet suffers from a certain condition, your vet may prescribe medication and recommend that you return for another session to check on their progress after some time. If you have more than one pet, you can do their health checks at the same time or bring them separately if your vet only has time for one appointment.
At Dr Paws Vet Care, we are experienced in conducting pet health checks. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get a health check for my pet?
It is recommended for pets to undergo a health check at least once a year. However, more frequent health checks may be required, depending on your pet’s health condition and age. Your vet can advise you further.
What does a health check include?
A full health check includes a physical examination of your pet, ranging from eye and ear checks to skin examinations. It’s also a good chance to seek professional advice and ask your vet for advice on your pet’s well-being and health. If you’re unsure what a health check includes, contact your vet.
Do indoor pets need to go for health checks?
Yes, even if your pet is always indoors, they should go for routine check-ups at least once a year to ensure they are healthy. They may still have illnesses or diseases, even if they are kept indoors most of the time.
Mon,Tue,Wed,Fri & Sat 10:00am - 8:00pm | Last appointment at 7:30pm Closed for lunch 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Closed on Thursdays, Sundays & Public Holidays (Ample roadside parking available)
