As a pet owner, you want to ensure your furry family members live a long, vibrant life. While it is easy to remember the vet when your pet is visibly ill, the most critical visits are the ones that happen when they seem perfectly healthy. At Brookwood Veterinary Clinic in Raleigh, NC, we believe that proactive care is the foundation of a happy home.
If you are looking for a trusted vet near you to manage your companion’s health, here are the answers to the most common questions about wellness exams.
What exactly is a wellness exam?
Think of a wellness exam as a comprehensive physical and internal checkup. Your veterinarian will perform a nose-to-tail assessment, checking the clarity of the eyes, the health of the ears, and the condition of the skin and coat. We also palpate the abdomen to check for unusual organ size and listen to the heart and lungs for any subtle murmurs or irregularities that might go unnoticed at home.
How often should my pet have a wellness check?
For most adult dogs and cats, an annual visit to our pet clinic near you is the standard. However, because pets age much faster than humans, we often recommend bi-annual exams for senior pets or those with chronic conditions. These more frequent visits allow us to catch age-related issues, like arthritis or kidney changes, early enough to manage them effectively.
What is the role of pet vaccination in a wellness visit?
Vaccines are a vital part of your pet's defense system. During the exam, we will review your pet’s lifestyle and environment to determine the appropriate pet vaccination schedule. Whether your dog spends time at local Raleigh, NC, dog parks or your cat stays strictly indoors, we ensure they are protected against common threats like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Staying current on a pet vaccination is much easier and safer than treating a preventable disease.
Why do we need bloodwork if my pet feels fine?
A physical exam tells us what is happening on the outside, but diagnostic screening tells us what is happening on the inside. Routine bloodwork and urinalysis allow us to establish a baseline for your pet. This makes it much easier to detect tiny changes in liver or kidney function before they become a medical emergency.
Can I discuss behavior or diet during this visit?
Absolutely! As the vet clinic near you in Raleigh, NC, we are here to support every aspect of your pet's life. Wellness exams are the perfect time to discuss weight management, new behaviors, or changes in energy levels.
At Brookwood Veterinary Clinic, we are proud to be your partners in animal health. We don't just want to treat illness; we want to help you prevent it. If it’s time for your pet’s wellness exam or you’re looking for a place to get pet vaccines near you, call us at (919) 779-2940.