One of the best ways to keep your cat or dog healthy is to bring them to the vet for preventative care exams (routine wellness exams). Today our vets in Tumwater, Washington explain the ways you can prepare for your pet's preventative care exams and the reasons why they are important to your furry friend's health.
The Benefits of Preventive Care Exams
Attending your pet's veterinary wellness exam at our Tumwater animal hospital gives your veterinarian the opportunity to detect any medical conditions before they become worse. It also gives them the chance to provide your cat or dog with any booster shots, preventative medications, and vaccinations they require to protect them from harmful and potentially fatal parasites or diseases.
Preventative care exams give your pet their best chance at achieving lifelong optimal health.
The cost of taking your pet in for a checkup is also far less than what it would be to treat advanced parasitic conditions, diseases, and illnesses. Preventive exams and early detection can also keep your pet from experiencing more discomfort or pain.
How To Prepare For Your Pet's Preventive Care Exam
Knowing how to prepare for your pet's routine exam at Tumwater Veterinary Hospital can help make the process smoother and less stressful for both you and your animal companion.
- Book your appointment slot for when you have no time restrictions because the length of the exam will depend on the medical condition and breed of your pet.
- If this is your pet's first time at our Tumwater veterinary clinic arrive approximately 10 minutes early to complete the new patient forms.
- Bring records of your pet's medical history as well as any past and present medications and dosages.
- Take notes of your cat or dog's food, bowel movements and, exercise routine to help your vet better understand your pet's lifestyle.
- Inform your vet of any recent or previous tick bites.
- Your vet might ask you to bring in a fresh sample of your pet's stool for a fecal exam or a urine sample for a urine test.
- To help keep your pet calm during their appointment bring their favorite blanket or toy.
- Record any behaviors or symptoms that your cat or dog is displaying that are concerning you and share them with the veterinarian.
- Prepare any questions you have for your vet ahead of time.
- Call your vet to ask them if it is okay for your cat or dog to eat before their appointment (several tests require fasting).
- Remember to bring your cat or small dog in a carrier, if you have a larger dog keep them on their leash
- Ask your vet to provide you with a cost estimate and Inform them of your budget so they can adjust the exams accordingly.
