Staying one step ahead of disease with wellness visits
You and your family probably visit your GP at least once a year for physical exams, and it’s important to do the same for your pet! In fact, because dogs and cats age much faster than humans, missing just one annual wellness visit is equivalent to going more than five years without an exam for your pet. It’s a long time for the veterinarians at Upper Village Veterinary Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, to go without checking for any potential health concerns that need to be addressed for your pet.
Why should I schedule an exam when my pet seems normal?
Our beloved animal companions often hide symptoms of diseases or conditions, making it difficult to know when they are unwell. They can’t communicate by saying, “It hurts here,” and you might assume they look and feel “fine” when that may not be the case at all. We’re not sharing this information to alarm you; instead, we want to emphasize the importance of proactive care through wellness visits and related services. By staying ahead of potential issues, we can help prevent the conditions that lead to distressing changes in their health.
What happens during an exam?
Dr. Steven Davidson will perform a full-body check. During this examination, he will assess the state and condition of your pet from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. For example, we check for tartar and inflammation in your pet’s mouth. We’re also looking for signs of infection and other ear problems. We may notice changes in the appearance of your dog’s or cat’s eyes, which can indicate everything from glaucoma to high blood pressure. Remember: Just like with you, no part of your pet’s body exists in isolation. Every organ and system is linked. One part can affect or be affected by the other. We’ll also inspect by sight or by touch (to palpate) your fur-baby’s neck, abdomen, chest, and limbs to assess the likes of their muscle tone, weight, enlarged lymph nodes and organs, and suspicious lumps and bumps. The skin, coat, and under-tail region are also associated with problems that can affect your pet’s overall quality of life – such as impacted anal glands, mites, and skin infections.
Do you only examine my pet?
The exam is but one albeit important service provided during your visit. It’s important to remember that visits can vary tremendously from pet to pet and even in the same pet. Certain breeds may be vulnerable to specific conditions and may have special needs. Likewise, as your pet ages, they may have additional needs that can alter the frequency of visits and services provided during these visits. We ensure that your pet stays up-to-date with both core and necessary non-core vaccinations tailored to their individual risks.
Additionally, we provide dental cleanings and support ongoing parasite prevention and control. Microchipping is a simple procedure that can be done in just a few seconds during a wellness visit. It offers peace of mind by enabling your pet to be reunited with you if it gets lost. As needed, we also perform bloodwork and other lab tests to detect potential issues that may not be identified during a physical exam.
Can you help with my pet’s diet, behaviour, etc.?
Of course! Wellness exams at Upper Village Veterinary Hospital are a terrific opportunity to partner with your vet on everything from the best diet to help your dog shed a few pounds to tips on how to litter box train your new cat. As your trusted neighbourhood veterinarian, we are here for you at any time to answer questions and address concerns or changes you may have noticed in your pet. To ensure a smooth journey toward better health for your pet, our team at Upper Village Veterinary Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, is excited to offer cost-effective in-house wellness plans. To learn more and schedule your visit, please call us at (647) 560-9276 today.
