The Importance of Preventive Vet Checkup for Cats & Dogs
Wellness exams are critical to helping your pet maintain good health and high overall quality of life.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition, these routine examinations include thorough physical checkups to give your pet the care they deserve.
When you bring your dog or cat in for their routine checkup we can prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early when they respond better to treatment.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Hattiesburg and Wiggins vet will thoroughly examine your pet in order to get a complete picture of their overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide insights into their overall health. The way they stand and walk, how alert they are, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of your health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, your vet examines your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of issues including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, abnormal hair loss, 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 like plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Your pet's heart health is greatly impacted by heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure. We'll test these to make sure they're normal and then examine the lungs for evidence 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 pain or discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
In order to have a healthy start, puppies and kittens benefit greatly from professional veterinary care during their first few weeks of life.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, any necessary vaccinations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help guide you through caring for the newest member of your family.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us should you have any questions or concerns about raising your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for their required booster shots.
Senior Pets
Recent advances in veterinary care, newer therapies, and better nutrition mean that senior pets are living longer than ever.
Although this is exciting for both pets and their families, it also means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet passes middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensuring their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we pay special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
If more detailed information is needed about your senior pet's overall health, additional laboratory tests may be recommended.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's routine checkup at our Hattiesburg and Wiggins animal hospitals, the vet will also check whether your animal requires preventive care, and ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date.