Due to rising costs of healthcare many doctors are no longer recommending that people get a yearly exam. These exams lead to unnecessary tests and doctors appointments. Plus these exams are generally revealing any pertinent health information. A big part of this reason…people can talk. If you have something wrong with you, you are able to express your concerns. You can call the doctor to make an appointment and investigate your ailments. However, you pet can’t.
As pet owners, it is easy to miss our pets physical ailments. Our pets don’t always display behavior to let us know if something is wrong. They might be able to let you know if they are in pain, though often times that can be easily miscommunicated. But if something is off or they feel just a bit under the weather, they have no way to communicate that. Often times when something is wrong their behavior won’t noticeably change. Or the change will be so gradual that you don’t notice. This is why an annual exam is important.
What happens in an annual exam:
- Vaccinations
- Check their skin for infection
- Check their ears for mites or infections
- Check their teeth for dental hygiene issues
- Check their eyes for cataracts
- Feel for fatty tumors or non-fatty tumors
- Check for arthritis and hip dysplasia
- Weight loss/Weight gain
- Ingrown toe nails
- Yeast infections
- Look for signs of overall health
Annual exams are a great time to get your preventative medicine:
- Heartgard for preventing heartworms
- Flea and tick medication
- Vaccinations
- Prescription pet food for chronic health problems like arthritis, blood pressure, diabetes, weight, hair balls, etc.
- Dental cleanings
- Toe nails trimmed
You may be able to skip the annual exam for yourself this year but don’t skip it for your cat or dog. Call today to set up your pets annual exam!
