With routine exams at Dockery, Mobley, & Associates Animal Hospital, we focus on preventive care to help ensure your pet is in good health.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Routine exams are essential in helping your pet maintain excellent long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper diet, regular physical checkups give your pet the best chance at exceptional lifelong health.
Schedule your pet's regular checkup. When they visit us, we can help prevent issues from developing, or detect them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
By giving your pet a thorough physical examination, we can get a complete picture of his or her overall health. The exam will cover the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's overall physical condition and demeanour can provide insight into their general health and well-being. How they stand and walk, their alertness, and whether they've achieved a healthy weight in relation to their size are all important indicators of health.
Coat & Skin
We will inspect your pet's coat and skin for indications of problems, including excessive dryness or oiliness, unidentified lumps or bumps, abnormal hair loss or shedding, or dandruff.
Face & Head
The vet will examine your pet's ears, eyes and nose for abnormalities or discharge. We'll also inspect the mouth for any signs of oral health issues, such as plaque buildup or gum disease.
Internal Health
Pulse, blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm are critical to your pet's heart health, and will be tested to ensure they are functioning normally. We'll also examine the lungs for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Health issues may result in swollen lymph nodes, so these will be checked for pain or swelling. The abdomen will then be examined to ensure the kidneys, bladder, intestines, liver, stomach and spleen all feel normal, and that your pet is not displaying any signs of pain or discomfort.
Puppies & Kittens
In their first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens require appropriate medical attention to ensure they get off to a healthy start.
Your new best friend will receive a thorough physical examination, deworming medication, and applicable immunizations. He or she will also be tested for intestinal parasites. You'll get a puppy or kitten kit full of educational material and samples to help you care for your newest family member.
Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your pet, both at your appointments or after your visits.
Once your pet has had an initial appointment, you'll see us again periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
Recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, in addition to better nutrition and newer therapies, have meant senior pets are now with us longer than ever.
As your pet ages, regularly scheduled examinations become increasingly important to ensuring their continuing health and longevity.
Along with routine exams all adult pets receive, special attention will be given to your senior pet's potential age-related conditions, such as decreased vision, diabetes or others. Additional lab tests will reveal valuable information about your pet's general health.
Vaccinations & Prevention
When your veterinarian examines your pet during their routine checkup, they will also check up on whether they require preventive care, or if it's time for them to receive any routine vaccinations.