Pet Health Check: The Importance of Preventative Healthcare
At Maggie and Marlow, we believe in proactive, preventative healthcare for your pets. Regular health checks play a crucial role in detecting potential health issues early and ensuring that your pet stays happy and healthy for longer. Our comprehensive approach to health assessments allows us to monitor your pet’s wellbeing and spot any early warning signs, allowing for timely interventions.
Why Regular Health Checks are Important
Preventative healthcare is about more than just treating issues as they arise; it’s about maintaining your pet’s overall wellness and catching problems before they develop into something more serious. Regular check-ups allow us to:
- Identify and manage any underlying health conditions early
- Ensure vaccinations are up to date to prevent disease
- Provide tailored advice on parasite control
- Monitor weight and offer dietary guidance to prevent obesity
- Assess your pet’s mobility to address any movement-related issues
What Does a Full Clinical Examination Cover?
A comprehensive health check at Maggie and Marlow includes a thorough examination by one of our experienced veterinarians. Here’s what you can expect:
- General Wellbeing and Behaviour: We assess your pet's overall health and behaviour, looking for signs of distress, anxiety, or discomfort.
- Vaccination Status: Ensuring your pet’s vaccinations are up to date is essential for preventing common diseases. If needed, we can restart or update vaccination schedules.
- Parasite Check and Advice: We screen for common parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms, and provide advice on prevention and treatment options.
- Lumps and Bumps: Any lumps or bumps are carefully examined to rule out the possibility of tumors or other health issues.
- Internal Organ Check: Using palpation techniques, we assess the health of your pet’s internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
- Movement and Mobility: We evaluate your pet’s joints and muscles to ensure they’re moving well and look for signs of arthritis or injury.
- Teeth and Gums: Oral health is critical to your pet’s overall wellbeing. We check for plaque, tartar, and signs of gum disease.
- Eyes and Ears: We examine your pet’s eyes and ears for signs of infection, inflammation, or other health issues.
- Weight Check: Weight is a significant indicator of health, and we monitor your pet’s weight, offering advice on maintaining a healthy balance.
- Anal Gland Expression: For some pets, anal glands can become blocked or infected. If needed, we can
How can I make an appointment for a health check?
It’s simple! Just give us a call at our Kidderminster practice or hop online to book an appointment that fits your schedule. We’re here to make things easy and convenient for you and your pet.
How often should my pet have a health check?
Every pet is unique, and their needs may vary. For many, a health check can be done alongside their annual booster appointment. If it’s been a while since you’ve visited us, we do recommend coming in at least once a year. Regular check-ups help us keep an eye on their health, vaccinations, and parasite control – catching little things before they become big problems.
Do you offer a preventative healthcare plan that covers essential services and treatments?
We do! Our Pet Health for Life plan covers all the essentials like vaccinations, annual health checks, parasite control, and more. It’s a great way to ensure your pet stays in tip-top shape all year round.
What happens during a health check appointment?
During the appointment, one of our friendly vets or nurses will give your pet a thorough check-up, looking at their skin, eyes, ears, paws, teeth, and gums. We’ll also chat about any changes in their daily routine and offer advice on keeping them healthy and happy. Plus, if we spot anything that might need extra attention, we’ll let you know about possible treatments or services.
As we head into the summer months, what will my vet be looking for?
Summer can bring an increase in skin issues, especially fleas, since the warmer weather is perfect for them to thrive. It’s a good time to make sure your pet’s parasite control is up to date. We’ll also talk about any extra vaccinations, like protecting your dog from kennel cough, to keep your furry friend safe while enjoying the outdoors.
At Maggie and Marlow, we’re always here to make sure you and your pet feel cared for, come rain or shine!
