Preventive wellness exams for cats and dogs provide your vet with the opportunity to find any arising health conditions early when they are easier to treat. In this blog, our Hoquiam vets explain how you can prepare for your pet's preventive exam and the importance of these beneficial checkups.
The Importance of Preventive Care Exams
Veterinary preventive wellness exams are checkups for your cat or dog. By bringing your pet in for a wellness exam you are giving your vet the time to detect any illnesses, conditions, or diseases before they become more advanced when they are easier to treat. This also gives your primary care vet the chance to provide your cat or dog with any parasite prevention medications and vaccinations they need to protect your companion from developing any health problems in the first place.
Preventive exams give your pet their best opportunity for achieving lifelong good health.
A preventive checkup also costs a lot less than the treatments for any advanced illness, disease, or parasitic condition. They also save your pet from experiencing any unnecessary discomfort or pain.
Preparing For Your Pet's Preventive Exam
Your cat or dog's preventive care appointment at Raintree Veterinary Hospital will be much smoother, easier, and less stressful if you know what to expect and come in prepared. Here are the things you can do in advance to get ready for your furry friend's checkup:
- Schedule your appointment for when you have no time restrictions because the length of the exam will depend on your pet's breed and medical condition.
- If this is your pet's first time coming to our clinic arrive about 10 minutes early to complete our new patient forms.
- Bring records of your pet's medical history and past and present medications and dosages.
- Record any concerning symptoms or behaviors that your cat or dog is displaying to share with the vet.
- Take notes of your pet's food, exercise routine, and bowel movements to help your vet understand their lifestyle.
- Inform your vet of any recent or previous tick bites.
- Your vet may ask you to bring in a fresh sample of your pet's stool for a fecal exam or a urine sample for a urine test.
- Prepare any questions you have for your vet ahead of time.
- Call your vet to ask if it's okay for your companion to eat before their appointment (some tests require fasting).
- Ask for a cost estimate and Inform your vet of your budget so they can adjust the exams accordingly.
- Make sure to bring your cat or small dog in a carrier, if you have a larger dog keep them on a leash
- To help your pet stay calm at their appointment bring their favorite blanket or toy.