Veterinary Exam

Veterinary exams play a major role in the health care of your cat or dog. In the same way that humans have regular doctor’s visits your loyal companion needs routine checkups. The good thing about these visits is you learn a wealth of information about your feline or canine’s overall health. To schedule a veterinary exam for your cat or dog, please call us at 604-273-3158.

What happens during a veterinary exam?

Our appointments are 30 minutes long and the veterinarian will examine all areas of the body, including the mouth, ears and eyes. They will then palpate (touch) the abdomen, joints, limbs etc. to feel for any abnormalities. The doctor will always listen to the heart and lungs. Don’t forget to discuss any changes in behavior because we all know pets are highly skilled at hiding health issues from us.

How often should my cat or dog have a veterinary exam?

At least once a year is the standard for adult cats and dogs who show no signs of illness. One of the main things to remember is that in most cases your feline or canine pal will try to hide any signs that they are unwell. More frequent visits are recommended for older and younger loyal companions. Puppies and kittens should have three veterinary exams to ensure they are supported in their growth and development. After your adult dog or cat turns 7 or 8-years-old they should have bi-annual exams because they are prone to age-related illnesses. The more precarious your canine or feline health is, the more important it is to have frequent veterinary exams.

How can I prepare for a veterinary exam?

As a pet parent you can prepare for this visit by making note of all the questions or concerns you have about your cat or dog. Since you see your feline or canine pal more often, you will have more insights on how their eating habits, symptoms and overall behaviour has changed. We will always ask you to bring in a stool sample from your pet (the size of a walnut) to check for intestinal parasites and other intestinal problems. Nobody wants to talk about parasites such as roundworms or hookworms, but we have to because it is a real problem for a lot of pets that come through our doors; it not only affects their health but can have a significant impact on your health too.