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Comprehensive Pet Wellness Exams & Testing
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Ensuring Your Pet’s Long, Healthy Life with Wellness Exams
Your pet’s health is a priority, and regular wellness exams play a vital role in ensuring their happiness and longevity. These check-ups allow veterinarians to detect diseases early, provide preventative care, and establish a baseline of health trends for better long-term management. At Canton Animal Hospital, we focus on comprehensive wellness care, from vaccinations and parasite prevention to diagnostic testing and nutrition counseling.
Why Wellness Exams Matter for Your Pet’s Health
At Canton Animal Hospital, we believe that prevention is the key to a long, healthy life for your pet. Just like humans, pets benefit from routine check-ups to detect potential health issues early. A wellness exam is more than just a routine visit; it’s a proactive approach to preventive care that helps ensure your pet's long-term well-being.
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What is a Wellness Exam for Pets?
A pet wellness exam is a comprehensive health assessment performed by a veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s overall condition. These exams are essential in catching health concerns early, even before noticeable symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
A Standard Pet Wellness Exam Includes:
Complete Physical Examination – Checking eyes, ears, mouth, skin, and coat health.
Weight & Body Condition Assessment – Evaluating changes in weight and body mass.
Vaccination Review & Updates – Ensuring your pet is up to date on core and lifestyle vaccines.
Parasite Screening & Prevention – Checking for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites.
Dental Health Check – Identifying early signs of periodontal disease.
Nutritional Counseling – Tailoring diet recommendations to meet your pet’s life stage and health needs.
Behavioral & Mobility Assessment – Addressing any changes in activity, pain levels, or cognitive function.
How Often Should a Pet Have a Wellness Exam?
The frequency of wellness exams depends on your pet’s age, breed, and health status:
Puppies & Kittens: Every 3-4 weeks until they are fully vaccinated and spayed/neutered.
Adult Pets (1-7 Years): At least once a year for a comprehensive health check-up.
Senior Pets (7+ Years): Every 6 months to monitor age-related conditions and catch issues early.
Regular check-ups allow your veterinarian to establish baseline health values, helping to identify trends in key health parameters over time.
What is Wellness Testing for Pets?
Wellness testing includes routine diagnostic screenings that provide a deeper insight into your pet’s health. These tests help detect diseases early, even before symptoms arise.
Common Wellness Tests Include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) & Chemistry Panel – Evaluating organ function, hydration status, and potential infections.
Urinalysis – Detecting kidney function issues, diabetes, and infections.
Heartworm & Tick-Borne Disease Testing – Screening for vector-borne diseases before they become life-threatening.
Fecal Testing – Checking for intestinal parasites that can affect your pet’s health.
Thyroid Function Testing – Monitoring metabolism and hormonal balance, especially in older pets.
Electrocardiogram (EKG) or Radiographs (X-Rays) – Assessing heart health and detecting early signs of arthritis or tumors.
By performing regular wellness screenings, we can establish trends in key health indicators, making it easier to spot abnormalities before they become severe.
The Importance of Wellness Exams for Senior Pets
As pets age, routine wellness exams become even more critical. Senior pets are more prone to age-related illnesses, and early detection allows for better management of their health conditions. Additionally, preventive care, including vaccinations, remains essential to protect older pets from infectious diseases as their immune systems weaken.
Senior Pet Wellness Testing Includes:
Extensive Blood Work – Evaluating kidney, liver, and metabolic function to catch issues early.
Screening X-rays of the Abdomen & Thorax – Detecting tumors, organ abnormalities, or arthritis progression.
Electrocardiogram (EKG) – Assessing heart function, especially for pets with pre-existing conditions.
Arthritis & Mobility Assessments – Identifying joint pain and recommending treatment options.
Dietary Adjustments – Tailoring nutrition to meet the needs of aging pets, including weight management and joint health support.
Chronic Medication Monitoring – Regular blood work and organ function tests to track the effects of long-term medications and adjust dosages as needed.
Tracking health trends over time is crucial for senior pets. Regular testing helps veterinarians tailor treatments, adjust medications, and improve your pet’s quality of life.
Featured Resources
We Welcome New Patients!
We're always happy to give your furry friend care at our hospital. Get in touch today!
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At Canton Animal Hospital, we understand that pet owners have many questions about wellness exams and preventive care. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
