Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

Your Stockton 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 veterinary wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's behavior and general demeanor can be a good indicator of their overall health. The way your dog or cat stands and walks, how alert they are and their weight when compared to their size can all provide our vets with clues about your companion's overall health and well-being.

Coat & Skin

In the course of your pet's checkup, our vets will examine your cat or dog's coat and skin for any signs of problems. These can range from excessive oiliness or dryness to dandruff, bumps, lumps and shedding or hair loss. 

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 such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease. 

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. 

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 any signs of discomfort. 

Review of Findings

After your pet's routine wellness exam is done, one of our vets will take time to discuss our findings and any concerns we might have about your pet's health. We will also talk with you about any special nutritional requirements your cat or dog might have. 

Checkups for Puppies & Kittens

Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start. 

We will provide your new family member with a comprehensive physical examination, deworming medications and any appropriate immunizations. We will also provide your with a kitten or puppy "kit" which will be filled with materials, samples and educational information to help you provide the best possible care for your new best friend. 

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 his or her 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 terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity. 

On top of the routine wellness procedures we perform on adult pets, special attention will be given to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, from arthritis to decreased vision.

Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for pets who are aging in order to collect more detailed information about their condition, health and well-being.