Annual Pet Exams

Veterinarians recommend that pet owners take their pets in for a wellness exam at least once a year. Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital are smart choices because we provide all-in-one pet care. This means if any issues are discovered, our veterinarians can handle them onsite rather than forcing you to go to another location.

The typical pet exam will include the following:

Checking Vital Signs

Monitoring and recording your pet’s vitals are key to understanding any abnormalities. This includes measuring their weight, taking their temperature, and checking their pulse and respiratory rate. These numbers will differ depending on the size, breed, and age of your pet, but a veterinarian will compare numbers to past results to look for significant changes.

Routine Questions

Your veterinarian will likely ask questions about your pet’s recent eating and sleeping habits and any changes in their lifestyle. This helps them determine whether any noteworthy behavioral changes might be worth looking into further. This is especially important during early visits in your pet’s life.

Physical Examination

The veterinarian will look over your pet closely. They’ll check the mouth, eyes, ears, paws, heart, lungs, and other parts of the body. They will also examine their mobility to check for any signs of aches or pains.

Dietary Management

Professionals will determine whether, based on your pet’s age and weight, any dietary restrictions are needed. This is a simple way to prevent bigger health issues from occurring in the future.

Vaccines and Additional Exams

After examining your pet and speaking with you, the veterinarian may administer vaccinations. Puppies and kittens will require core vaccinations early in their lives. However, adult pets only need them every year or so. Your veterinarian may order a fecal exam, heartworm testing, or FIV testing for cats. They’ll also take special precautions with older animals and may run tests on their blood and urine.