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Healthy Pet Care Tips

Planning for Your Pet's Preventive Care Exam

Routine wellness exams for your cat or dog give your vet an opportunity to provide vital preventive care and to check your pet for early signs of developing health problems. Today, our PetVet Care Centers member vets provide tips on how to prepare for your cat or dog's preventive exam.

Why Are Preventive Care Exams Important?

Bringing your cat or dog into a PetVet Care Centers animal hospital for a wellness exam gives your vet an opportunity to monitor your pet's health, detect the earliest signs of developing conditions, and allows your vet to provide your pet with any vaccinations or preventive medications they need to keep parasites from invading their bodies.

Regular wellness exams, combined with preventive care give your pet their very best shot at long-term optimal health.

The cost of preventive examinations can also be far less than the cost of treating diseases, illnesses, and parasitic conditions when they have become more serious. Preventive exams and early detection can also save your pet from experiencing more pain or discomfort.

How To Prepare For Your Pet's Preventive Exam

Preparing for your cat or dog's preventive care appointment can make the process easier and less stressful for both you and your pet.

  • Schedule an appointment slot where you have no time restrictions because the length of the exam will depend on your pet's breed and medical condition.
  • If it's your first time bringing your pet to that vet arrive about 10 minutes early to fill out the new patient forms.
  • Bring records of your pet's medical history and past and present medications and dosages.
  • Take notes of your pet's food, exercise routine, and bowel movements to help your vet understand your pet's lifestyle.
  • Inform your vet of any recent or previous tick bites.
  • Your vet may ask you to bring in a fresh sample of your pet's stool for a fecal exam or a urine sample for a urine test.
  • To help your pet stay calm at their appointment bring their favorite blanket or toy.
  • Record any symptoms or behaviors that your cat or dog is displaying that concerning you to share with the veterinarian.
  • Prepare any questions you have for your vet ahead of time.
  • Call your vet to ask them if it is okay for your furry friend to eat before their appointment ( some tests require fasting).
  • Make sure to bring your cat or small dog in a carrier, if you have a larger dog keep them on a leash
  • Ask for a cost estimate and Inform your vet of your budget so they can adjust the exams accordingly.

Contact your PetVet Care Centers member vet anytime before your appointment to ask any questions you have about preparing for your pet's exam.

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