Dog Wellness Exams

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Switzerland Animal Hospital

Dog Wellness Exams - What To Expect From Your Puppy's First Wellness Exam

Dr. Michael Bredehoeft
Switzerland Animal Hospital

How soon should I bring my pet in to see a veterinarian for a wellness exam?

Typically, when you acquire a new pet, whether it's from a breeder, a friend, or a pet store, we recommend bringing them in for a wellness exam within two business days. This is in line with the Florida lemon law, which gives you two business days to have your new pet examined. If any congenital issues are found, this allows you to have some recourse. This is especially important when dealing with pet stores, as most are willing to help with the cost of corrective surgeries, such as for umbilical hernias.

What is involved in a dog wellness exam?

A dog wellness exam consists of three phases. The first phase involves taking a history, where veterinary assistants or technicians will ask questions about your pet's behavior, such as whether they are eating, vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, excessively drinking or urinating, scratching, or shaking their head. They will also ask if your pet's activity levels and mood have changed.

The second phase involves the veterinarian delving deeper into the pet's history, asking additional questions if necessary, and observing the pet's behavior. The veterinarian will look for signs of distress, such as being standoffish, withdrawn, or sedate, which can indicate underlying health issues. A puppy is hyperactive and wants to engage, so if a puppy is withdrawn, that could be a sign of anemia, which can be caused by intestinal or external parasites. An older dog may be withdrawn for the same reasons, but maybe they just suffer from arthritis and just doesn’t feel well.

The third phase is the physical exam itself, where the veterinarian will closely examine your pet to identify any potential health problems.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (904) 287-2527, or you can email us at switzanimalhospital@gmail.com. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/switzerlandanimalhospital, https://www.instagram.com/switzanimalhospital/

Adult Dog Wellness Physical Exams - What To Expect From Adult Dog Physical Exams

Dr. Michael Bredehoeft
Switzerland Animal Hospital

What does the veterinarian check during an ear exam?

During an ear exam, the veterinarian uses an otoscope to look into the vertical and horizontal ear canal. They are looking for signs of infection, inflammation, and in cats, ear mites. Ear mites are not typically seen in dogs.

What does the veterinarian check during an eye exam?

During an eye exam, the veterinarian uses an ophthalmoscope to examine the eyes. They dim the lights to open up the pupils, making it easier to see the retina. They also check the eyelids, nose, and look for any signs of tumors, cysts, or nasal discharge. In older dogs, they may look for cataracts and glaucoma.

What does the veterinarian check during an oral cavity exam?

During an oral cavity exam, the veterinarian checks the mouth, tongue, and teeth. They look for broken teeth, masses, gingivitis, tartar buildup, and periodontal disease.

What does the veterinarian check during a lymph node exam?

During a lymph node exam, the veterinarian checks the lymph nodes located underneath the mandible, in front of the shoulder, and behind the shoulder. They also check the lymph nodes in the groin area. Swollen lymph nodes can indicate infection, inflammation, or in some cases, lymphoma.

Dog Wellness Exams