Do you only go to the doctor when you're sick, or do you remember to schedule yearly well visits? What about your pet? Do you find yourself thinking there's no reason to bring your pup to the vet if they feel fine? Well, even healthy pets need regular vet visits to optimize their well-being.
What Happens at a Routine Vet Visit?
You probably already have a rough idea of what your pet’s vet does during a typical well visit unless you’re a brand-new pet parent. However, it’s possible that if you’ve had your dog or cat for many years, you may take routine vet care for granted.
You know your fur baby needs a check-up and vaccines, but you don’t think too much about it beyond the basics. Understanding why these yearly exams are so important doubles as a reminder to stay up-to-date and rigorous with your pet’s health care plan.
Here is what to expect during your dog or cat’s yearly vet visit and why it’s so important.
The Check-In Process at the Veterinary Clinic
When you first arrive at the vet’s office, you usually check in or sign in at the reception desk. Most clinics and vet offices have a waiting area where you can relax with your pet until their name is called.
Sometimes, these waiting rooms contain tasty treats, calming sprays, and similar items to help relax nervous pups and cats. Depending on the office and how crowded or busy they are, a vet tech may come out in the waiting room to weigh your pet on a scale. (Some offices keep a scale in the lobby area, some do not.) Otherwise, this will usually happen when you go into the exam room.
When the technician or assistant calls your pet’s name, they’ll escort you and your pet into a private room. The tech will gather details about your pet, very much like a medical assistant does when you go to your doctor's appointment. They will weigh your pet if they haven’t already and ask you if you have any concerns or if there are any changes to your pet’s food or medications.
They will also take your pet’s temperature, sometimes with the assistance of another tech. In some clinics, they wait until after the examination to take the temperature. They do it when they bring your pet in the back for vaccinations and other tests.
Physical Exam
After the initial consultation with the veterinarian assistant, the vet comes in and talks with you about how things have been going. They physically examine your pet, checking the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, abdomen, hips, and other parts of the body.
Your vet looks and feels for anything out of the ordinary, and pays attention to how your pet reacts to the touches. For example, if your pet tenses or yipes when the vet touches a particular area, it could signal that something doesn’t feel well.
If your vet thinks additional tests are warranted based on the physical exam, they will discuss it with you at that point. In most cases, they’ll have their assistant put together an estimate for you so you can decide if you want to proceed with the tests before you leave that day.
Vaccinations
If your pet is due for updated vaccines, they get them at their yearly visit. Keeping current with vaccines protects your pet. Also, many states require the rabies vaccine, so your checkup ensures your pet gets their updated tags.
Most clinics these days administer the vaccinations and various screenings in another area, instead of the exam room. You simply wait in the room until they bring your pet back to you.
Heartworm and Parasite Tests and Screenings
The yearly vet visit is also when your pet gets tested for heartworms and other intestinal parasites. These tests are done via a stool sample.
The vet also collects a urine sample to screen for various issues, diseases, or potential problems. Some vets give you a special kit ahead of time so you can collect your pet’s urine and stool samples to bring with you to the appointment.
Possible Blood Work
Your dog or cat may or may not need blood work during a routine vet visit. This usually depends on anything that the vet notices during the physical exam and the other screenings.
If you have an older dog or cat, your vet will likely recommend you add senior testing and bloodwork. These additional tests become part of your regular visits and provide a more thorough and proactive approach to your pet’s healthcare.
Opportunity to Discuss Concerns with the Vet
One of the most important things that happens at a routine vet visit is you get an opportunity to discuss your pet’s well-being with a professional. It’s the perfect time to address any concerns you have and alert the vet to any issues your pet has experienced. If you have noticed any behavioral changes in your dog or cat, this is the time to mention them.
Of course, you can contact your vet anytime if something is going on with your pet. However, a well visit is a perfect opportunity to go over everything with a fine-tooth comb. Your vet can also offer help with anything you’re struggling with, whether it’s giving your pet medication or coping with separation anxiety.
Why Should Your Pet Have Regular Vet Visits?
Some pet parents hesitate to bring their fur babies to the vet because of their pet’s reaction. You may be embarrassed because your cat yowls nonstop inside the clinic or your dog barks at the top of their lungs without pause.
Perhaps you can’t stand to see your pet so upset so you convince yourself that everything’s fine, you can skip one visit. But missing a routine vet visit can make a big difference in your pet’s health path.
The most vital reason to maintain regular vet visits is early detection of potentially dangerous diseases. Many things are treatable or at least better managed the earlier they’re caught. If you miss a regular visit, even if your pet is acting fine, there could be something brewing that would show up in a urine sample or during an exam.
Tips for Handling Routine Vet Visits With Your Pet
It’s normal for pets to get anxious during a visit to the vet. An interactive toy can help distract your pet. However, don’t include any treats or edibles until you verify that your pet isn’t receiving any fasting labs (they can’t eat anything for a specified period before the test).
If your pet sheds excessively when they’re nervous, use a tool like the FurDozer to conquer the fuzz. Speak calmly and softly to your pet to help ease their tension, and remind yourself that this vet visit is necessary.
Pet Dental Checkups Are Also Important
Ideally, you brush your dog or cat’s teeth daily. However, as a pet parent, you likely know that isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Therefore, sticking with regular dental visits is essential.
It’s critical to recognize that during a routine vet visit your pet’s doctor will check their mouth, teeth, and gums. However, this cursory exam is not a substitute for a full dental checkup. In addition to your regular annual vet visit, you should also schedule a dental checkup and cleaning for your pet.
Yes, the costs for pet teeth cleaning can be high. However, your pet’s dental health plays a major role in their overall well-being. Staying on top of your pet’s dental care can help prevent various diseases in other areas of the body.
Don’t Skip Out on Regular Vet Visits
Your vet would much rather have your furry friend in the office causing a scene than never see them. Skipping vet visits means you could potentially miss an illness or fail to spot a disease in its early stages. You also risk not staying current on your pet’s vaccinations.
If you’re looking for a clinic, ask friends and family for recommendations or try a site like MyPet to find a veterinarian near you. For more tips on taking the best care of your pal, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.