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4 Things to Discuss With Your Vet During A Canine Wellness Exam

  • By Admin
  • 07 Nov, 2017
Ears — Veterinarian Cleaning The Dog's Ears in Citrus Heights, CA
Ears — Veterinarian Cleaning The Dog's Ears in Citrus Heights, CA
A canine wellness exam can help your adult dog maintain optimal health. This routine examination is performed when your pet is healthy, not injured or ill. Your adult dog should have a comprehensive examination on an annual basis, or semi-annually during its senior years. You can expect your vet to examine your pet in detail, looking for abnormalities and checking vital statistics.

During a wellness exam, you can help your veterinarian by informing him or her of your pet's general health and daily habits, in addition to providing medical history records. You should discuss several things with your dog's health care provider. Here are 4 important aspects you shouldn't overlook in your discussion.

1. Diet and Eating Habits

Your vet will want to know what your dog's diet consists of, including the brands of pet food you feed your pet. He or she may then recommend additions for a well-balanced diet, or a change of diet altogether. Tell the vet what snacks and table foods you provide for your pet, and if you provide any vitamin supplements.

If your dog is overweight, the vet will recommend a diet formulated for overweight dogs. If underweight, your dog may benefit from a diet higher in calories.

In addition to the diet, inform your vet about your dog's eating habits. The vet will want to know if your dog's appetite has been poor, as this may indicate a possible health issue. Increased appetite may indicate other issues, such as stress or even depression. If you have noticed a change in your dog's appetite, inform the vet.

2. Changes in Elimination Patterns

Has your dog's bowel movements been regular? Has anything changed in your pet's elimination habits, such as a sudden onset of diarrhea or constipation? Has your pet been urinating frequently or less than normal? Your vet needs to know these details, as these may be indicators of your pet's general health.

3. Exercise Routine

Your vet should be informed of your pet's daily routine. Does your dog receive daily walks and runs, or is your pet more of a canine couch potato, living a sedentary lifestyle? Just as humans require exercise to remain fit and healthy, dogs also need exercise for optimal health. If your pet has become lazy or you haven't devised a sensible exercise routine that fits your lifestyle, ask the vet for recommendations.

Your vet will also want to know how your dog reacts to physical exertion. If your pet becomes overly tired or pants excessively, even during mild exercise, your vet may need to further evaluate your dog's health.

4. Time Since Your Dog's Last Screening Tests

Your dog should have periodic screening test to rule out possible health conditions and disease. Inform your new vet of the test results and when these tests were performed. If screening tests have not been performed for a long time, your vet will recommend they be done during the wellness exam.

A complete blood count, or CBC, is necessary to determine if your pet has sufficient white blood cells to ward off infection. Among other things, a blood count may rule out canine diabetes, electrolyte imbalance and high cholesterol.

In addition to a complete blood count, your vet may want to conduct a urinalysis and stool sample screening. These tests are especially important if your pet has never undergone testing before.

Before you take your dog for the wellness exam, be prepared. Make a list of important details you need to discuss. This will ensure that nothing is left unsaid or unanswered. Once you’ve made your list, call your vet today so you can take care of your dog’s health.
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