Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

Our Bellevue vets will provide your cat or dog with a comprehensive physical checkup in order to gain a comprehensive picture of their overall health. The routine pet checkups provided at our animal hospital include all of the following elements. 

General Condition

Your pet's general condition, demeanor and behavior can all be important clues to their overall health. Your pet's level of alertness, their weight when compared to their size and the way they stand and walk can all be indicators of their health.

Coat & Skin

During your pet's routine checkup, we will examine your cat or dog for signs of problems with their skin. This can include excessive oiliness and dryness, dandruff, hair loss lumps, bumps and shedding.

Face & Head

Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease. 

Internal Health

Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing. 

We will check your pet's lymph nodes for pain or swelling and will also examine their abdomen for signs of issues with their spleen, liver, kidneys and stomach.

Review of Findings

At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements. 

Checkups for Puppies & Kittens

Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start. 

We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family. 

Don't hesitate to call us with any concerns or questions you might have about caring for your new family member, both while at your appointments with us and after your visits.

Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots. 

Seniors

With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.

While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity. 

On top of the routine wellness procedures we perform on all of our patients, we will give your senior pet special attention. During their routine checkups, we will examine them for conditions like arthritis or blindness that are commonly associated with age.

Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.