Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

Your Springfield vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.

Face & Head

We will examine your pet's eyes, ears and nose for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems, such as periodontal disease. 

Coat & Skin

During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.

Internal Health

Heart rate and rhythm, pulse and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing. 

We'll also check the lymph nodes for pain or swelling, and we will examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver and stomach all feel normal. 

Review of Findings

At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any potential concerns about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements. 

Checkups for Puppies & Kittens

To get started on a healthy track, puppies and kittens require proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life. 

We'll give your new family member a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations and deworming medication, and we will also test them for intestinal parasites. We'll provide you with a puppy or kitten "kit" filled with information and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family. 

Please never 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 puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for their required booster shots. 

Seniors

With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.

While this is fantastic news for pets and their owners, it also means that your pet's normal healthcare has to be given extra attention as they age. Regular checkups become increasingly important as your pet approaches middle age to guarantee their continued health and lifespan.

In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.

Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.