Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Vet Checkup in Bakersfield

Your Bakersfield vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical vet checkup in order to get a complete picture of their overall health, and look for the earliest signs of emerging health issues. At your pet's routine exam the vet will also take the time to discuss any behavioral concerns you may have regarding your pet.

Routine cat or dog wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide essential clues to their overall health. How your dog or cat stands and walks, 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 pet's skin and coat for signs of problems or allergies, 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. 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. 

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

While undergoing a routine physical examination, your vet will ask about your pet's diet. The kind of food, amount, and frequency with which they eat can all impact your pet's health, and can be easy to improve if recommended. 

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 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. 

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 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. 

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 wellbeing.