A Proactive Approach to Pet Care
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these thorough routine examinations give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your dog or cat in to see us for a checkup, you give our vet a chance to prevent health issues from developing – or catch them early. By addressing issues early, we can help avoid more invasive, painful and costly treatments that would otherwise be needed.
We are here to provide the guidance you need to help maintain your pet's physical health through each stage of life.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Exam
Our veterinary team will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup to understand their overall health better. At our animal hospital in Beloit, the routine exams we provide generally include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's behavior, along with their stance and gait, provides valuable insight into their physical well-being. How your pet stands and walks, their level of alertness and whether or not they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of their overall health and well-being.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's exam, we will look for issues affecting their skin and fur, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or 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, cavities and periodontal (gum) disease.
Internal Health
The health and function of your pet's internal systems are crucial to their health. Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vital 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.
Your pet's lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure that the bladder, kidneys, spleen, liver and stomach all feel normal and that your pet isn't showing any signs of pain or discomfort.
Review of Findings
Once we have completed the routine examination, we will speak with you about any concerns we may have about your companion's overall health and share any recommendations regarding their ongoing care.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
The first few weeks of your cat or dog's life are crucial to their lifelong health.
We will perform a complete physical examination on your new friend and administer any appropriate vaccines and deworming medications. We will also test for parasitic infections. You will receive a kit of informational materials to help your puppy or kitten get started on the right foot.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots. Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns about caring for your new pet.
Ongoing Care for Senior Pets
Thanks to advancements in modern veterinary medicine, pets are living longer lives than ever.
This is wonderful news for pet owners. However, it also means that special care needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they enter their golden years. Regular examinations become crucial to ensure their health and longevity.
In addition to our routine wellness procedures 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 & Parasite Prevention
During a routine pet checkup in Beloit, our vet will also determine whether your pet is due for routine vaccinations.