Did you know that over 69 percent of American pet owners have dogs? As you can imagine, keeping them healthy is of utmost importance for any pet owner, which is why a veterinary check up is essential every so often.
Are you a new veterinary practice looking to do wellness exams for pets? If so, we invite you to keep reading since we’ll be going through a checklist of things to do during a pet check up.
General Physical Behavior
When you first check the pet, you’ll want to observe its general behavior and physical condition since it can provide clues if it’s a healthy pet. Here’s what to check for:
- How they walk and stand
- Weight for their size
- Level of alertness
Once you complete this initial examination, you’ll be able to see if there are any issues that may be cause for concern. Of course, you can easily solve some health issues with medications or pet products. That’s why the more products you have on hand, the faster you can treat the pet.
Check the Coat and Skin
After the general check-up, you’ll want to examine the pet’s coat and skin since many pet diseases stem from a poorly maintained coat. In addition, you should check if the pet has excessive oiliness or dryness, which can indicate allergies. And if you find any lumps or bumps on the skin, you’ll want to examine it more thoroughly since it may reveal skin tumors.
Face and Head
Once you check the pet’s skin and coat, you’ll want to move onto its face and head. While you check the eyes, keep an eye out for abnormalities in the iris, especially if the pet is over five years old. Additionally, check the mouth for oral health problems like plaque build-up or periodontal gum disease.
Internal Health
Perhaps the most important part of a pet check up is its internal health since it’s more difficult to notice. You’ll want to start with the pet’s heart health by checking its heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, you’ll need to hear its lungs and listen for abnormal breathing patterns.
You’ll also need to check its lymph nodes for pain or inflammation, and if that’s the case, you may want to do a blood analysis to check for cancer. Finally, you should examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, bladder, spleen, liver, kidneys, and stomach feel normal.
Perform a Pet Check Up the Right Way
Hopefully, with this post, you’ll be able to do your job as a veterinarian the best way you can. And as you already know, a proper pet check up is essential for long-term pet health, so make sure you prepare well! So, don’t hesitate to save this post, so you can refer to it as often as you like.
Did this post about pet check ups help you? If so, our website is dedicated to all passionate pet owners worldwide, so feel free to check out out other pet-related posts!