How Often Should You Take Your Pet to the Vet?
Your furry friends are more than just pets. They are beloved members of your family. And just like you and your family members need regular wellness exams, so do your furry companions. At Rainier West Veterinary Hospital, we offer tailored veterinary services to help your pets live long, healthy, and active lives. You can always count on us for exceptional, compassionate care!
How Often Should You Take Your Pet to the Vet?
The frequency of wellness exams will vary depending on your pet’s age, breed, overall health, and lifestyle. In general, most adult pets in good health require annual wellness exams. However, puppies, kittens, senior animals, and those battling chronic health conditions may require more frequent vet visits.
- Adult Pet Wellness Exams: Annual adult pet exams focus on prevention and ensuring your pet stays healthy and sound. They include updating vaccines, parasite prevention, dental checkups, and ensuring your pet is healthy and sound. We may recommend blood work to keep track of your pet’s health.
- Puppies and Kittens Wellness Exams: Puppies and kittens receive their first set of vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age. They typically need vet visits every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old to set the stage for lifelong health. During these visits, we will discuss parasite prevention, behavior management, nutrition, house training, and any concerns relevant to your pet.
- Senior Pet Wellness Exams: We typically recommend twice-yearly visits for senior dogs and cats to identify age-related health problems as they develop. We offer nutritional counseling, weight management, and chronic disease care to keep your precious pet as healthy as possible. Our goal is to ensure your furry companion enjoys a happy, pain-free life during the golden years.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. If something seems off with your cat or dog between routine exams, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule a sick visit. Signs of pain or chronic disease are often subtle, so if your furry companion shows changes in appetite or energy levels, is drinking more than usual, has difficulty urinating, or is simply acting differently, give us a call. The sooner any issue is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcomes.
Why Are Routine Vet Visits So Important?
Routine vet visits are essential for your pet’s overall health and well-being. They allow us to identify potential health concerns in their earliest stages when they are easiest to treat. Routine preventive care helps prevent problems from progressing and impacting your pet’s health and quality of life.
During your pet’s routine visits, we will ensure the vaccinations are up-to-date, protecting your furry companion from life-threatening diseases. We also discuss parasite prevention, weight management, behavior management, or any other concerns specific to your pet. We are always happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. Remember – prevention is always better than cure.
What Should You Expect During Your Pet’s Wellness Exam?
Pet exams are tailored to your pet’s unique needs. In general, we start by weighing your furry friend, taking their history, and recording their vitals. Next is discussing current concerns as well as vaccinations and parasite prevention. If needed, we may request lab work.
Dr. Doyle will conduct a head-to-tail examination. She will evaluate your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, gums, heart, lungs, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system. She may recommend dental cleaning, nutritional counseling, pain management, or treatment for underlying conditions, depending on your pet’s needs. We aim to address issues as early as possible to help your furry friend maintain a long, vibrant life.
Wellness Exams Near Me in Lacey, WA
At Rainier West Veterinary Hospital, we understand your beloved pet is a valued family member. Dr. Doyle and her team are committed to providing comprehensive care to our furry patients to help them thrive. We invite you to contact our office at (360) 339-8262 to schedule your pet’s appointment or request one online today!