The Importance of Regular Check-Ups for Your Pet
As pet owners, we want our pets to be healthy. Routine examinations are essential for helping to prevent serious health problems, detect conditions before they become severe, and maintain overall wellness. At your independent veterinary practice, MK Vet Group, we know the importance of keeping your pet in tip top condition.
Why Are Regular Check-Ups Important for Your Pet?
1. Preventative Health Care
Regular vet visits help catch problems early, often before your pet even shows symptoms.
For instance, conditions like dental disease, heart problems, kidney issues, or tumours may not be noticeable in their early stages, but our vets can detect these issues during a routine exam. Preventative care can extend your pet’s life and improve their overall health.
2. Vaccinations and Parasite Control
Veterinary check-ups are the perfect time to stay on top of your pet’s vaccinations and parasite control. Keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date ensures protection against serious diseases, while routine deworming and flea/tick treatments protect them from harmful parasites that can cause health problems.
3. Dental Health
Oral health is often overlooked, but dental disease is one of the most common health issues pets face, especially as they age. Regular exams allow the vet to check for signs of gingivitis, tartar buildup, or periodontal disease and offer advice on how to care for your pet’s teeth.
4. Behaviour and Lifestyle Adjustments
A routine visit gives your veterinarian the opportunity to discuss changes in your pet’s behaviour, diet, exercise routine, or weight. Pets can’t tell us when something feels off, but subtle shifts in behaviour (like increased thirst or lethargy) may indicate health problems.
5. Building a Health History
Routine check-ups help your vet build a thorough health history for your pet. This history becomes incredibly valuable when diagnosing conditions or adjusting treatments. Regular visits also ensure your pet is growing and aging appropriately for their breed and size.
What Happens During a Routine Veterinary Exam?
1. Comprehensive Physical Examination
During this aspect of the visit, your vet will check your pet from nose to tail.
- Eyes and Ears: Our vets will check for any signs of infection, irritation, or injury in your pet’s eyes and ears, as well as looking for any abnormal discharge, redness or signs of parasites.
- Mouth and Teeth: A thorough check of your pet’s teeth and gums is vital for spotting signs of dental disease, such as plaque, tartar, gum inflammation, or tooth decay. Our vets will check for signs of infection or abscesses that could cause pain or affect your pet’s overall health.
- Heart and Lungs: Our vets will listen to your pet’s heartbeat and lung sounds using a stethoscope. They’ll check for irregularities such as a heart murmur, arrhythmias, or any signs of respiratory distress.
- Abdomen: Your vet will palpate (gently press) your pet’s abdomen to check for abnormalities like lumps, pain, or unusual swelling that could indicate internal issues, such as organ problems or tumours.
- Limbs and Joints: Our vets will assess your pet’s mobility and check for any signs of arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint issues, especially as your pet ages. They’ll look for signs of injury or swelling in the limbs and paws.
- Skin and Coat: Our vets will examine your pet’s skin for signs of fleas, ticks, rashes, or infections. They will also check the condition of your pet’s coat, as dry, flaky skin or hair loss may indicate underlying health problems.
2. Weight Check and Body Condition Score
Our vets will weigh your pet during each visit and assess their body condition score (BCS), which helps evaluate whether your pet is underweight, overweight, or at a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your pet’s overall health, as excess weight can lead to joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease.
3. Blood Work and Lab Tests
As pets age, routine blood work and lab tests become more important. Our vets may recommend blood tests to assess your pet’s organ function (liver, kidneys, thyroid) and to screen for conditions such as anaemia, diabetes, or infections. Routine lab work can help detect conditions before they become serious. Your vet may also suggest urinalysis or faecal tests to rule out urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or parasites.
4. Vaccinations and Preventative Care
Vaccinations are an essential part of your pet’s health care. During their routine visit, our vets will make sure they’re up to date on essential vaccinations based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
In addition to vaccinations, our vets will review your pet’s parasite prevention plan, including treatments for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms.
5. Special Considerations for Senior Pets
As pets age, their health needs evolve. For senior pets, routine check-ups become even more important, as older animals are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, or heart disease. Our vets will likely perform more detailed exams and may recommend additional tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, to monitor these conditions.
How Often Should Your Pet See the Vet?
The frequency of veterinary check-ups will depend on your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle. However, here are some general guidelines:
- Puppies and Kittens: Typically need to visit the vet more often for vaccinations, deworming, and general health assessments. You may need to see the vet every three to four weeks until they are about six months of age, mostly to ensure there parasitic control is correct for their growing weight.
- Adult Pets (1-7 years): Healthy adult pets should have a check-up at least once a year. Pets that are overweight, have chronic health issues, or are at risk for specific conditions may need to visit more frequently.
- Senior Pets (7+ years): Older pets should visit the vet at least twice a year. This is especially important as they are more prone to age-related health problems.