At Miami Shores Animal Clinic, we emphasize the importance of preventative pet medical services. Regular annual visits allow us to monitor your pet’s overall health and development, ensuring they are growing properly. These visits are crucial for keeping vaccinations up-to-date, protecting not only your pet but also your family, other animals, and those who cannot receive vaccinations.
Acute Medical Care
In addition to preventative care, we address a variety of acute healthcare concerns:
Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting and diarrhea caused by stomach bugs, accidental ingestion, or stress.
Injuries: Muscle tears, ligament sprains, broken bones, and other injuries.
Behavioral Problems: Issues such as fights, biting, house-training difficulties, and excessive shedding.
Allergies: Symptoms like red eyes, sneezing, hair loss, and scratching.
Infections: Ear, eye, and urinary tract infections.
Pet Wellness Exam
Regular pet wellness exams are crucial for maintaining your pet’s health. These exams allow veterinarians to track your pet’s health over time and detect common conditions such as arthritis, periodontal disease, infections, and allergies early on. Diagnostic testing during wellness exams can also uncover underlying health issues, enabling your vet to create an effective treatment plan if needed.
Annual wellness exams are generally recommended for most pets. However, senior pets, young animals, and those with medical issues should have exams every six months to closely monitor their health.
What Happens During a Pet Wellness Exam?
During a wellness exam, the vet will thoroughly check your pet from head to tail for any signs of health problems. They will use special instruments to examine the eyes, ears, and nose, and inspect the coat and skin. The vet will also palpate the joints and abdomen to detect any abnormalities.
Diagnostic Tests
Your vet may recommend the following tests during the exam:
Fecal Sample: To check for internal parasites or digestive issues.
Urinalysis: To detect infections in the urinary tract or metabolic problems.
Blood Sample: To evaluate the functioning of internal organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Wellness exams are also an excellent opportunity to discuss weight management, flea and tick control, heartworm prevention, and any behavioral concerns with your vet. Regular wellness exams are key to ensuring your pet stays healthy and happy.