Why Schedule a Routine Dog or Cat Exam?

Keeping your pet healthy isn’t just about diet, exercise, and getting them help when they aren’t feeling well. A key piece of the puzzle is preventing future problems and detecting them early. That’s why we recommend that you bring your pet in to Heritage Veterinary Hospital in Creve Coeur, MO. Routine dog and cat exams can make a big difference at every stage of your pet’s life.

How Often Should You Schedule an Exam?

At Heritage Veterinary Hospital, we recommend that both dogs and cats under seven years old get routine exams annually. Once they’re beyond seven years old, they are considered seniors. That’s when it is time to upgrade to check-ups twice a year.

What’s Involved in Routine Check-ups?

Your veterinarian will give annual heartworm test screenings and administer any vaccinations that need to be renewed every year. There will also be a physical exam. During this exam, the vet will check your pet’s weight, dental condition, coat condition, alertness, etc. If your dog or cat has had previous surgery or illnesses, the veterinarian may follow up on that to check on their long-term recovery.

This is a great time to bring up any concerns you may have had. After all, in the unfamiliar environment of the animal hospital, your pet may not be acting as they do at home. You can explain any worrying signs you’ve personally seen, such as lack of appetite or nervous behavior. These are valuable clues that can point your veterinarian toward potential issues.

Routine Dog Exams

Dogs tend to be a little more expressive than cats when they aren’t feeling well. However, they may still hide their problems from you. Some dogs also may show only mild symptoms, like lethargy or nervousness, when they’re actually very uncomfortable. A routine check-up lets your veterinarian track your dog’s health progress, catch issues early, and keep your pet comfortable and active into their golden years.

Routine Cat Exams

Cats can be especially secretive about health problems. Many of them act tough even when injured, weak, or very ill. Unfortunately, this means that by the time you notice a major change in your cat's behavior, the situation may have gotten quite serious. Routine check-ups give your veterinarian an invaluable chance to catch problems early, when you have the most treatment options and the best chances of a good outcome.

Pet Check-ups in Creve Coeur, MO

Is it time for another routine exam for your dog or cat? Do you have concerns about your pet’s health? Contact us at Heritage Veterinary Hospital. We serve Chesterfield, Ballwin, St. Peters, St. Charles, Marilyn Heights, and the surrounding areas. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and schedule a routine check-up.