Cat & Dog Wellness Exams
The Importance of Routine Pet Checkups
Regular wellness exams are essential to preserving and maintaining a dog or cat's health long-term.
These routine physical checkups, when combined with vaccinations, preventive care and proper nutrition, help to ensure your pet is on the best possible path with their health.
Even if your pet is healthy, it's important to attend their veterinary appointments. By giving your vet the opportunity to see your cat or dog when they are healthy, you give them a baseline so they can better detect when something is amiss.
For many health conditions, early detection and treatment is the key to a positive outcome.
What to Expect During an Exam
During your pet's routine exam, your veterinarian will give your them a thorough physical checkup to get a comprehensive picture of their overall health.
They will usually begin by palpating your pet's body nose to tail, looking for any lumps or bumps or any sore spots. They will also check whether your pet is due for any routine vaccinations or preventive care.
Routine exams at our Glendale Veterinary Hospital include an examination of the following elements of your pet's health:
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General Condition
Your pet's general demeanour and physical condition can give your veterinarian vital clues to their overall health. How your cat or dog stands and walks, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
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Coat & Skin
During your cat or dog's checkup, your veterinarian will examine their skin and coat for signs of problems, which can include excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss.
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Face & Head
During your pet's face and head examination, your veterinarian is looking for any abnormalities or discharge in their eyes, ears, and nose.
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Teeth & Mouth
Your veterinarian will check your pet's teeth and mouth for symptoms of oral health concerns such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease to help determine if they require additional dental care.
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Internal Health
At your pet's examination, your veterinarian will check their heart rate and rhythm, pulse and blood pressure, as these are essential elements of a dog or cat's heart health. Your veterinarian will also check the lungs for signs of abnormal breathing and the lymph nodes for pain and swelling. They will then palpate the abdomen to make sure that the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Once your pet's initial exam is finished, your veterinarian will talk to you about any health concerns they may have regarding your dog or cat's overall health and discuss their nutritional requirements.
Depending on your pet's age and medical history, your veterinarian may even suggest some diagnostic testing such as blood work in order to get a better idea of what is going on internally.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Set your puppy or kitten on the right path in life by ensuring they have the proper medical care while they are young. During those first few weeks and months of life, their tiny bodies are developing rapidly, so it is important you allow our veterinary team to perform regular detailed physical examinations and provide vital immunizations and deworming medication.
During these early weeks and months, we will also test for internal parasites, as they can be detrimental.
Once your puppy or kitten's first checkup is complete, we will schedule their next appointment so that they can get their next set of vaccinations.
Learn More About Puppies & Kittens
Checkups for Seniors
As pets enter their golden years, regular examinations become even more important, as our aging pets can quickly develop age-related illness that can lead to loss of quality of life.
During a senior pet's wellness exam, your veterinarian will look for signs of diabetes, arthritis, decreased vision, and other potentially age-related conditions.
Your veterinarian may also recommend more regular diagnostic testing so they can get a better understanding of what's going on inside your pet's body and use the results to form a customized treatment plan.
New Patients Welcome
Glendale Veterinary Hospital is accepting new patients! Our veterinary team is passionate about the health of cats and dogs in Caledon. Give us a call today to book your pet's first appointment.
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Hours
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- Monday:07:30 am - 07:00 pm
- Tuesday:07:30 am - 07:00 pm
- Wednesday:07:30 am - 07:00 pm
- Thursday:07:30 am - 07:00 pm
- Friday:07:30 am - 05:30 pm
- Saturday:09:00 am - 01:00 pm
- Sunday:Closed