Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

To get a complete picture of your pet's overall health, your Redding vet can give your cat or dog a thorough physical checkup. Routine exams at our veterinary hospital include these elements:

General Condition

We can glean clues to your pet's overall health by assessing their general demeanor and physical condition. Their level of alertness, how they stand and walk, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of general health. 

Coat & Skin

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

Face & Head

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

Internal Health

Heart rhythm and rate, blood pressure and pulse are vitally important to your pet's heart health. These will be tested to ensure they are normal. The lungs will also be checked for evidence of abnormal breathing. 

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

Review of Findings

To conclude your pet's routine exam your vet will dedicate time to address any concerns they may have regarding your pet's overall health. They may also discuss your dog or cat's nutritional requirements with you. 

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. 

Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your 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 is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. 

As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing 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.