Regular wellness visits play a crucial role in maintaining your pet’s overall well-being by preventing illnesses and catching potential health issues early. Our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team explains the significance of wellness visits, what they typically involve, and how they contribute to your four-legged friend’s long-term health.

Why wellness visits are essential for pets

Regular wellness visits provide many benefits for pets and their owners that contribute to a pet’s health, longevity, and overall well-being. Here are some of the top reasons why wellness visits are a crucial part of your furry friend’s health care plan.

Early detection of health issues

A primary benefit of regular wellness visits is the early detection of health problems. Pets cannot communicate when something is wrong and often mask their symptoms until an issue becomes severe. Regular check-ups allow your Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale veterinarian to identify and address potential health concerns before they escalate into serious problems. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment and a better prognosis for your pet.

Preventive care

Wellness visits are not only about diagnosing and treating illnesses; they are also about prevention. During these visits, we administer vaccinations and perform routine blood tests, dental exams, and other preventive care tasks. 

Vaccinations protect your pet from a range of infectious diseases, while routine blood tests can reveal underlying health conditions that are not yet showing signs. Dental exams help prevent periodontal disease—one of the most common preventable diseases in pets—which can lead to more severe health issues, if left untreated. Body condition scoring accurately assesses your pet’s weight, which helps our veterinarian develop a personalized nutrition and exercise regimen.

Personalized health recommendations

Every pet has individual needs based on their age, breed, and lifestyle, and our veterinarian can provide personalized care and advice for pet owners at the pet’s wellness visit. Whether you discuss your pet’s best diet, exercise routines, preventive dental care, or behavioral issues, our veterinarian can provide valuable insights tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

Peace of mind

As a pet owner, you have peace of mind from knowing you are doing everything possible to maintain your furry friend’s health. Regular wellness visits keep you informed about your pet’s health status and you can take proactive measures to address any concerns.

Strong veterinarian relationship

You and your pet benefit from a strong relationship with our veterinarian. With regular wellness visits, our veterinarian becomes familiar with your pet’s health history and can more easily identify changes or potential issues. This familiarity also helps build trust, which means your pet is more comfortable during visits and you benefit by knowing you are receiving reliable information and support for your pet’s health concerns.

What to expect during your pet’s wellness visit

Pet owners often wonder what their pet’s wellness visit will entail. While wellness visits are customized to a pet’s age and health status, you can generally expect the following.

Comprehensive physical examination

A wellness visit typically begins with a comprehensive physical examination. Our veterinarian will check your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and coat for any signs of abnormalities. We will also listen to your pet’s heart and lungs, palpate the abdomen, and assess the joints and muscles. This thorough examination helps detect any potential health issues and ensures that your pet is in good physical condition.

Vaccinations and preventive treatments

Your pet will receive any necessary vaccinations to protect against common infectious diseases. Our veterinarian will also recommend parasite preventives, such as flea, tick, and heartworm medications, that will protect your pet and family from various pests.

Blood tests and screenings

Routine blood tests and screenings are often performed during wellness visits to monitor your pet’s internal health. These tests can reveal conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and anemia. Early detection allows our veterinarian to treat and begin managing these conditions promptly, improving your pet’s quality of life.

Nutritional and behavioral counseling

Our veterinarian will recommend your pet’s best diet and exercise routine that ensures they receive balanced nutrition and adequate physical activity. We can also address any of your pet’s behavioral issues with advice on training and behavior modification techniques.

Wellness visits are a vital aspect of responsible pet ownership that offer numerous benefits and help your four-legged friend live a long, happy, and healthy life. Give our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team a call to schedule your pet’s next wellness visit.