The need for annual boosters used to be the trigger for most people to visit the veterinarian. As we mentioned in the last post most pets don't need annual boosters anymore, but that does not imply that they don't need regularly scheduled check ups in between vaccine boosters.
For most pets this means an annual physical exam. In some cases, especially geriatric pets or those with chronic conditions, more frequent visits should be considered. Puppies and kittens get a thorough exam when they make their first visit to the vet around 7 to 9 weeks.
So what should you expect at the annual visit and how can you make it as productive as possible?
First of all, write down any questions you have for the veterinarian before you go in. Have you noticed any changes in behavior, eating habits or elimination problems? Has your pet gained or lost a significant amount or weight? Are there issues you thought about between exams that you never spoke to anyone about?
When the day comes for the visit you can expect a few things in addition to the actual physical.
The physical itself should include a complete exam focused on all the body systems. The vet will look closely at the eyes, ears and oral cavity. They will examine the coat, external genitalia and palpate the abdominal organs. They will listen to the heart sounds and lungs to make sure everything in the chest cavity is running smoothly.
There should also be a few tests to assess the function of internal organ systems. Your vet may run a panel of blood tests that are key to understanding your pet's liver, kidney,
endocrine and other systems. They may also want to do a urine test. You should be prepared to take in a fecal sample too. Your veterinarian will want to look for
parasite eggs.
This is also a great time to discuss
heart worm and
flea control and determine which product is best for
your pet.
Just like their owners, dogs and cats require regular
dental care too. In fact, when you consider that they get much less in the way of daily care than their owners, a yearly dental scaling and polishing is quite reasonable. About 75% of dogs and cats over the age of three are starting to show signs of dental disease so be sure to get started with some type of program before that happens. Your vet will be sure to let you know when to get started on routineg dental care.
So, as you can see, there are many good reasons for regular veterinary visits than simply vaccination boosters. It's really about early detection and prevention of problems that could get more serious without attention. As Mom used to say, and still does,"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".