Dog Wellness Exams

What is a dog wellness exam?

A dog wellness exam is basically what it sounds like. We get your pet in and check them out from head to toe. We will look at their teeth, examine their ears and eyes with scopes, listen to their heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and then palpate them. We assess their skin, feel their abdomen, check lymph nodes, and ensure that everything feels normal.

How often should dogs have wellness exams?

For most dogs, when they're younger, once a year is sufficient. As they reach middle and senior ages, usually twice a year is better so that we can stay ahead of any concerns and keep a close eye on them to ensure they're staying healthy.

What happens if something abnormal is found during my dog's wellness exam?

If we find something abnormal, we will have a discussion with you about it and make a plan together on what we need to do. If we find signs of dental disease, we would probably recommend that the dog comes back for a surgical procedure to clean the teeth and get dental x-rays taken.

If we find a heart murmur, we may suggest taking x-rays or considering a visit to a specialist called a cardiologist.

If we find anything in the abdomen that we're unsure about, we might recommend lab work, potentially x-rays, and maybe even future ultrasounds. Our main concern is to talk to you about it, formulate a plan together, and make sure we make the right decisions for your dog.

How does DePorre Veterinary Hospital ensure pets are comfortable?

At DePorre Veterinary Hospital, we are fear-free certified, which means we aim to keep your pet at ease. Sometimes we can do the examination in the room with you. You are welcome to bring the dog's favorite treats. Some dogs are more anxious, and those tricks may not work, so we may need to prescribe some medication before they come to see us. This helps to lower their anxiety level so we can perform our exam and give vaccinations without causing undue stress.

Other dogs may need help with nail trim training at home. Unfortunately, sometimes we need to place muzzles on dogs. These dogs may also need to be trained at home to get comfortable with the muzzle and realize it's not a punishment but allows everyone to be safe in the exam room.

How are dog wellness exams tailored for different life stages?

Our exams are tailored differently for different life stages:

Puppy exams focus on ensuring there are no congenital issues, that they're growing well, and discussing behavior changes, feeding schedules, and vaccines that fit your lifestyle.
Middle-aged dog wellness exams are more about monitoring the dog as it ages and ensuring no concerning problems arise.
As they become senior and geriatric, which varies for different breeds, we may want to do blood work more frequently to find problems before they manifest as clinical symptoms, keeping them happy and healthy. We discuss issues that may involve dementia or mobility concerns, ensuring your dog remains happy and healthy for as long as possible.