Scheduling your dog's regular wellness exam is central to effective pet care. These exams provide care that prevents or minimizes the effects of diseases while identifying other veterinary issues early, so appropriate treatment can begin. Prevention and early treatment help maintain your dog's health and reduce your veterinary bills in the long run. If you need a veterinarian in Knoxville, TN, look no further than Callahan Drive Animal Hospital for a convenient appointment.
How Often Is Preventative Care Needed?
Puppies should have monthly checkups for the first four months, after which they should switch to yearly exams until they become seniors. At that point, semi-annual exams become appropriate. Talk to your vet about when your dog reaches senior status, as this can vary by breed. Generally, large dogs age faster than small dogs, so they become seniors several years before their smaller counterparts.
What Happens During a Wellness Exam?
Wellness checkups for puppies and senior dogs differ, as puppies need their legally required and recommended vaccinations, while senior dogs are more likely to have conditions that require monitoring and care.
Like the annual physical exam we receive as humans, a routine exam for dogs includes core components and others that vary based on age, sex, and the pet's history. Core components include the following:
• Your Observations: Share your concerns or observations about your dog's behavior, diet, and overall health.
• Physical Measurements: Compare your dog's current height, weight, heart and respiration rates, and temperature against its history.
• Physical Examination: Inspect your dog's coat and skin, eyes and ears, and listen to its heart and lungs. The hands-on exam also checks the limbs, tail, rectum, and internal organs.
• Behavioral Observation: Observe your dog's stance, gait, vitality, and disposition during the exam.
• Lab Tests/Radiography: General screening and targeted lab tests or X-rays based on the history and issues found during the exam.
• Prevention: Vaccines, preventive medication, and recommended dietary changes help improve or maintain the pet's health.
• Dental Cleaning: A comprehensive dental exam with X-rays and a thorough teeth cleaning before polishing.
Contact Callahan Drive Animal Hospital
If you are looking for a veterinarian near you in Knoxville, TN, Callahan Drive Animal Hospital offers the veterinary care your dog needs. Call us at (865) 938-0243 or use our appointment request form to schedule an appointment for our veterinarian to see your pet.