Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

Your 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 each of our Jacksonville animal clinics include the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide evidence of their overall health. How they walk and stand, how alert they are, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indications of their overall health.

Coat & Skin

During your vet checkup in Jacksonville, we will check your pet's skin and coat for signs of issues such as excessive dryness or oiliness, bumps, lumps, or abnormal shedding and hair loss. 

Face & Head

Your pet's nose, eyes, and ears will be inspected for discharge or abnormalities. Your vet will also check your pet's mouth for oral health issues like 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

Once your vet has completed your pet's examination, they will take the time to deliberate on any concerning symptoms they've uncovered about your pet's health and talk about your pet's nutritional needs.

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'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material 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 initial vet 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. 

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.