Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical Exam

Your veterinarian will provide your cat or dog with a thorough physical checkup in order to gain a complete picture of their overall health and wellbeing. A routine wellness exam at our Cincinnati clinic includes the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's general condition and demeanor can actually provide a number of clues about their overall health. The way they stand a walk, their level of alertness and whether or not they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of your furry friend's overall health.

Coat & Skin

During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.

Face & Head

Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease. 

Internal Health

Your pet's heart rate, its rhythm, their blood pressure and their pulse are all vitally important metrics for measuring their heart health. We will test each of these to make sure they are at normal levels. We will also examine your cat or dog's lungs for any evidence of abnormal breathing. 

Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort. 

Review of Findings

After your pet's routine wellness exam, your pet will take some time to discuss any concerns you may have about your pet's health, nutrition and behavior and if there are any needs they have that may not be met right now. 

Checkups for Puppies & Kittens

Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start. 

We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family. 

Don't hesitate to contact Hyde Park Veterinary Clinic with any questions or concerns you might have about caring for your new furry family member, but while at your appointments and between visits.

Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots. 

Seniors

With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.

WHile this may be excellent news for pets and their owners, it does mean that special attention will need to be given to your companion's routine healthcare as they grow old. As your cat or dog ages beyond middle-age, routine exams will become increasingly important in encouraging their health and longevity.

In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.

Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.