A full clinical examination, every year
Complete health check-up
At the annual health exam, the veterinarian will carry out thorough checks from nose to tail, assessing your dog's coat, eyes, ears, teeth and general physical condition.
He'll also listen to the heart and lungs, examine the abdomen and check for any lumps or abnormalities you may have missed.
An annual check-up for every age
This thorough examination is essential not only for puppy or kitten, whose bodies are still developing and who may need additional vaccinations or boosters, but also for older dogs and cats who need careful attention to spot signs of age-related problems, such as arthritis or dental disease.
For dog, cat and every other pet
Even though dogs are the most heavily medicated, more and more cats are consulting vets for their annual health check-up.
Just make sure you make an appointment with a vet who treats your pet's species, especially if you own a reptile or a bird.
A blood test if your pet is over 8 years old
Your vet may recommend blood tests to detect any internal health problems early, to help your pet stay healthy.
As your pet gets older, regular blood tests are essential to monitor its health. By regularly assessing vital functions such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas, you can detect illnesses at an early stage and hope for a rapid and complete recovery.
The recommended tests are a complete blood count and a blood biochemistry test for between 10 and 17 parameters.
Analysing changes in your pet's behaviour
The annual visit is also the ideal time to discuss any changes in your dog's behaviour, diet or exercise routine that could be affecting his wellness.
If you notice any changes in your pet's energy levels, sleeping patterns or appetite, it's important to let your vet know. He or she can give you nutritional advice tailored to your dog's stage of life, or suggest ways of enriching your pet's environment and daily activities.
The main behaviours to be discussed each year are your pet's weight, eating and drinking habits. A tendency towards obesity or chronic emaciation are changes to be seriously considered.
Preventive measures, care advice
These examinations also give you the opportunity to ask questions about preventive care, from flea and tick treatments to heartworm prevention, so that you're fully prepared for all aspects of your pet's health throughout the year.
By taking proactive steps to manage your pet's health, you can help reduce the risk of serious illness while promoting a better quality of life.
One of the most important preventive measures you can take is to vaccinate your pet. Please note that vaccination protocols change regularly, as do the arrival on the market of new valences.
Paying attention to your pet's well-being ultimately contributes to their comfort and happiness, reinforcing the special bond that exists between people and animals. Good preventive measures combined with good information are the key to limiting visits to veterinary emergencies.
