The Importance of Vet Checkups
Routine pet wellness exams are critical to helping your car or dog maintain good long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition, routine examinations give your pet the best chance at lifelong health and well-being.
When you bring your pet in for a routine exam we can catch any emerging health issues before they become more serious, offer the appropriate preventive care, and assess your pet's diet to ensure their nutritional needs are being met.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Portland vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine pet wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. We will assess how they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size.
Coat & Skin
During the exam, 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 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
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for 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
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few months of life to get off to a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, the appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites.
We can also provide you with all the information you need to properly care for your new pet. 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
Thanks to advances in veterinary medical knowledge, therapies, and nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
This is great news for pet owners! However, 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.
We may also recommend additional diagnostic testing for senior pets to provide us with more detailed information about your pet's internal health and overall wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's vet checkup at our Portland animal hospital, the veterinary will also check whether your animal requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.