Cat & Dog Wellness Exams
Preventive Care
Wellness exams are key to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
Combined with proper nutrition, regular vaccinations and parasite prevention, these routine examinations involve regular physical checkups to give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When your dog or cat comes in for their routine checkup, we're able to prevent health problems from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
To get an accurate snapshot of your pet's overall health, your Harrisburg vet will give your cat or dog a thorough physical exam. Routine wellness checkups at our animal clinic include these elements:
General Condition
Were you aware that your pet's physical condition and general demeanor can offer valuable insights into their overall health? Their level of alertness, how they stand and walk and whether they are a healthy weight for their size can all point to how healthy they are generally.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, your cat or dog's skin and coat will be checked for signs of problems, such as lumps, bumps, abnormal hair loss or shedding, dandruff, excessive oiliness or dryness.
Face & Head
Your pet's nose, eyes and ears will be examined for discharge or abnormalities. We will also examine the mouth for symptoms of oral health issues such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rhythm and rate, blood pressure and pulse are each vitally important to your pet's heart health. These will be tested to ensure they are normal. We will then examine the lungs for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be inspected for pain and swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the bladder, liver, spleen, stomach, kidneys and intestines all feel normal, and that your pet is not displaying any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
To finish your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will dedicate time to discussing any concerns either of you may have about your pet's overall health and review your dog or cat's nutritional requirements with you.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
In their first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens need proper medical attention to help ensure they get a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations and deworming medication. Tests for intestinal parasites will also be completed. You'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with samples and educational material to help you care for your newest family member.
Please never hesitate to get in touch with us to ask about any questions or concerns you may have as you learn to care for your new pet, both during appointments and between visits.
Once your puppy or kitten has had their exam, 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 well-being.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary exam at our animal clinic in Harrisburg, the vet will also confirm whether your pet needs preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.