Your pet’s health care begins with regular wellness checkups with a veterinarian. At The Animal Medical Clinic of Goose Creek, we recommend that all pets receive a complete physical examination at least once a year or every six months for seniors. A wellness exam goes a long way toward prevention of diseases, fleas and ticks, parasites such as heartworm, hookworm , roundworm  and other treatable illnesses and conditions.

Regular exams allow us to detect symptoms of disease and illness in your pet and treat them before your pet becomes ill or feels pain. During the exam, vaccine protocols, senior pet care protocols, and alternative treatments are discussed with the doctor. Some pets(particularly cats) may hide the fact that they aren’t feeling well. Routine exams may alert the veterinarian to underlying health issues.

As your pet ages, normal aging conditions occur that you may not be aware of. These can be diagnosed early during your pet’s regular wellness exam, or if needed, through routine laboratory tests. Conditions affecting older pets can be easily identified and treated before they become serious. We want your elderly pet to enjoy a long and healthy life.

What Happens During a Wellness Exam?

During your pet’s annual exam, our veterinarians perform a “nose to tail” evaluation of your pet. We examine his or her vision, heart and lung functions, test the joints and muscles, palpate the abdomen and perform many other tests. The information we collect during an exam helps us establish a baseline level of your pet’s health and allows us to better treat your pet.

The annual exam also includes a dental evaluation. Dental care is very important, especially to our older animals. Teeth and gums are examined for plaque and tartar, tooth weakness and decay. This screening often prevents mouth pain and infections that can affect your pet’s overall health.  Read more about our dental services on our dental page.

During the annual exam, we may discuss your pet’s nutritional needs and weight management guidelines. Annual exams help us monitor your animal’s weight so we can recommend modifications in diet or exercise if needed. A long and healthy life for your dog, cat or small mammal depends on maintaining a healthy body weight.

Vaccinations and Boosters

Vaccinations are an important aspect of your pet’s wellness plan. We review your pet’s vaccination protocols regularly to make sure that your pet is getting all the necessary immunizations and booster shots for his or her age, environment and risk level. Vaccination schedules are tailored to your individual pet, so we’ll ask questions about your pet’s life to be sure we recommend a suitable program. Many diseases and conditions can be prevented with modern vaccines and protocols. We work closely with you to be sure your animal is protected.