It’s easy to assume that if your pet looks happy and healthy, everything is fine.
They’re eating, playing, and acting normally… so, there’s no reason to bring them to the vet, right?
But the reality is, many health issues in pets develop slowly and aren’t obvious until they’re very severe. That is why regular check-ups are so important.
Pets Are Good At Hiding Problems
One thing we see all the time are pets who seem completely fine at home, but on examination, something isn’t quite right.
Often, we see pets who seem fine at home, but on examination, we find health concerns that could have been missed. Animals are very good at hiding disease and pain. It’s a natural instinct for survival that has developed over centuries.
For example, advanced dental disease, arthritis, heart murmurs, high blood pressure, thyroid and kidney disease and lumps and bumps.
What Happens During A Routine Check up:
A general health check can tell us a lot about your pet.
During a check-up, we will usually:
- Check your pet’s weight and body condition.
- Listen to their heart and lungs.
- Examine their eyes, ears, skin, and coat.
- Check teeth and gums.
- Feel for any unusual lumps or swelling.
- Check joints and mobility.
- Discuss diet and nutrition.
It’s also a great chance for you to ask questions about anything you’ve wondered or noticed at home.
Early Detection Makes A Big Difference
Catching something early can completely change the outcome.
Starting early treatment for any condition can limit or halt its progression. This will help to improve your pet’s quality and longevity of life.
How Often Should Your Pet Have A Check-Up?
As a general guide:
For young pets with no chronic illness, we reccomend at least once a year.
Older pets (around 7+): every 6 months.
It’s Not Just About Illness
Check ups also keep your pet in the best possible shape through:
- Preventative care
- Vaccinations
- Parasite control
- Nutrition advice
We know life gets busy and if your pet seems well, it can feel easy to put it off. But a quick check-up can give you peace of mind and help catch things you might not be able to see yourself.
If it’s been a while since your pet’s last visit, it might be a good time to book in!
Our team are always here to help keep your pets happy and healthy.