Wellness Visits
A wellness examination is a routine medical examination of a patient, and are often referred to as ‘annual health exams’, ‘check-ups’ or ‘physicals’. The focus of our wellness visits is to maintain the optimal health of your pet in order to maximize their quality of life.
Much like your own check-up, annual wellness is an essential aspect of care to the overall health and well-being of your pet. While we recommend annual examinations at a minimum, many pets benefit from more frequent examinations, depending on the needs of the patient.
Our wellness examination includes:
- Detailed collection of patient medical history
- Complete physical exam from nose-to-tail
- Vaccinations, where appropriate
- Nutritional consultation
- Dental assessment
- Pain assessment
- Behavioural Discussion
- Parasite assessment
- Recommendations for diagnostic tests (fecal analysis, blood chemistry, wellness screening, etc) as required
How can I best prepare for my pets annual wellness appointment?
Preparing for your pet’s annual wellness exam is an important step in maintaining their overall health and well-being. Here’s a guide to help ensure your pet’s exam goes smoothly and you get the most out of it:
1. Gather Your Pet’s Health History
- Vaccination Records: Make sure you know when your pet’s last vaccinations were given and whether any boosters are due. If it is your first visit at Smith Lane Animal Hospital, we request that all previous medical records are sent to our clinic prior to your appointment. This way, our medical team can be fully knowledgable and up to date on your pets health status and current needs.
- Past Health Issues: Take note of any previous health problems, surgeries, or ongoing treatments your pet has had. Share these with your vet during the exam.
- Medications: Write down any medications, including supplements, your pet is currently taking (include dosage and frequency).
2. Observe Your Pet’s Behavior and Health
- Monitor Changes: In the days leading up to the exam, pay attention to any changes in your pet’s behavior, appetite, energy levels, or bathroom habits. This information can be important for the vet to know.
- Physical Changes: Regularly check for any lumps, bumps, skin changes, or signs of discomfort. Report any issues like limping, coughing, vomiting, or changes in coat condition to the vet.
- Weight Check: Weigh your pet at home (if possible) so you can track any significant weight changes since the last visit. At every exam we will want to weigh your pet in clinic. However keeping track of your pets weight is an important aspect of monitoring your pets health.
3. Prepare Your Pet for Travel
- Transport Your Pet Safely: Whether your pet travels in a carrier, crate, or car, make sure they are comfortable and secure. For anxious pets, you can use a calming pheromone spray or consult our clinic and medical staff about safe sedatives or anxiety-relief products.
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive a little early for your appointment to allow time to check in at the front desk with our client service staff and to help your pet adjust to the environment before the exam. If your pet does not do well waiting in the waiting room, please feel free to our our front desk staff if you and your pet can be brought to a room right away. We want this to be a positive exerience for you and your pet, so please feel free to make this request!
4. Questions and Concerns
- Write Down Questions: Prepare a list of any questions or concerns you have about your pet’s health. Whether it’s about diet, behavior, dental care, or preventative treatments like flea/tick prevention or spaying/neutering, having your questions written down will ensure you don’t forget them during the exam.
- Lifestyle Changes: If you plan to make any lifestyle changes for your pet (like switching to a new food, changing exercise routines, or introducing a new pet into the household), mention this to your vet.
6. Prepare for Common Exam Components
- Routine Checkup Components: Most annual wellness exams include a thorough physical exam, blood tests, vaccinations, dental checks, and sometimes diagnostic screenings (such as fecal tests for parasites).
- Preventative Care: Your vet will likely discuss parasite prevention, dental health, and any age-appropriate screenings like heartworm testing, blood work, or x-rays. You may also discuss spaying or neutering if it’s not already done.
7. Behavioral Health Check
- Social Behavior: Let your vet know if there have been any behavioral concerns or changes, such as increased aggression, anxiety, or excessive vocalization. Your vet might suggest training or behavioral therapies.
- Environmental Factors: Discuss any environmental changes, like a move to a new house, new pets, or changes in your pet’s routine, as these can affect their mental health.
8. Prepare Financially
- Cost Estimates: Call ahead or ask about the cost of the wellness exam and any additional services. In many cases we can give you an estimate over the phone. If there are unknown diagnostics, we may need to wait until your appointment, but always worth asking!
- Insurance Information: If you have pet insurance, bring your policy details so the vet can help you file claims for covered services.
9. Bring Your Pet’s Comfort Items
- Familiar Items: For anxious pets, bring along a familiar blanket, toy, or treat that can help them feel more comfortable during the visit.
- Leash or Carrier: Ensure your pet is safely contained, especially if they are nervous around other animals. Please ensure that your pet is either on their leash or in a carrier. Especially while in our waiting area.
10. After the Exam: Follow-up Care
- Post-Visit Instructions: Be sure to listen carefully to any aftercare instructions, especially if your pet will need follow-up treatments, medications, or dietary changes.
- Next Appointment: Schedule the next annual wellness exam or any follow-up visits that may be necessary. Our front desk staff can help you with this at the front desk after your appointment is done.
By being prepared for your pet’s wellness exam, you help ensure that we have all the information needed to provide the best care for your furry friend. If you have any questions, please call the front desk at 519-840-0100.
