Older dog getting a wellness exam.

As with most important appointments, there’s a lot to cover during a routine pet wellness exam. While we move through the many topics relevant to each individual pet’s health and well-being, it is possible that a couple items get inadvertently overlooked. To ensure that all of your questions and concerns are properly addressed, we recommend jotting down important questions and concerns in a notebook (whether digital or on paper). We strive to exceed expectations, and we hope both you and your pet get the most out of an upcoming pet wellness exam. 

Question or Doubts

Routine veterinary care is at the core of lifelong health. Given the chance, we can catch and treat disease, prevent chronic problems, and promote overall wellness. Every pet deserves the opportunity to experience total vitality, and we’re here to help connect all the points to reach their health goals. 

Preventive medicine hinges on parasite medication, vaccinations, dental care, nutrition, behavior, and more. With that in mind, it can be overwhelming to process all the information, and recommendations. We are here to help streamline your pet’s health, and allow for ample time at their pet wellness exam to cover all the necessary ground.

Reduce the Stress

Many pets enjoy trips to see us, some simply do not. The stress and anxiety they feel can easily transfer to their owner, resulting in a rushed appointment. Have a list of pertinent observations, questions, or concerns to help frame the appointment. 

We aim to be punctual and thorough at every pet wellness exam in an effort to keep nerves calm. We highly recommend filling out the new pet paperwork prior to your arrival so we can dive right into the nuts and bolts of a pet wellness exam. It’s also a good idea to have any medical records (including vaccinations, medications, surgeries, etc.) sent over or made available for us to review. 

The Daily Routine

It is important to bring in notes about your pet’s daily routine. We’re curious about what they eat and when, portion sizes, bathroom habits, exercise opportunities, socialization, training, home environment, and really anything else you want to discuss. 

Depending on what we learn from you and about your pet during the exam, we will determine next steps. This could entail scheduling upcoming appointments for various diagnostics, dental cleanings, or procedures. We will discuss dosing of prescription medications, and any follow-ups before you leave. 

Pet Wellness Exam Prep

It can be tough to convince your pet that a visit to the vet is for their own good. Cats can be effectively crate trained, but it is a process that takes time and patience. Once they accept the travel crate as a place of comfort, they have a safe place to relax in before and after their exam. Dogs must be leashed or crated (if possible) for everyone’s safety. 

To help pet owners budget for routine wellness care, check out our Pet Wellness Plans

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s upcoming pet wellness exam, please call us at (916) 939-1705. MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is always happy to help!