Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

Your Little Rock vet gives your pet a checkup to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to its overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.

Coat & Skin

During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.

Face & Head

Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. Your vet 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. 

Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort. 

Nutritional Consulting

Nutritional counseling can help you get your pet's diet back on track. We will work with you to find a healthy diet that your pet enjoys. We can assist you if you have a new pet, a pet with food sensitivities or allergies, or a pet whose weight is not appropriate for its size.

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. 

Vet 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 thorough physical examination, as well as the necessary immunizations and deworming medication. We will also look for parasites in the intestine. You will be given a puppy or kitten 'kit' containing educational materials and samples to assist you in caring for the newest member of your family.

Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following 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 fantastic news for pets and their owners, it does mean that your pet's routine healthcare needs to be given special attention as they age. Regular examinations become increasingly important as your pet approaches middle age to ensure their continued health and longevity.

In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.

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