Annual Wellness Checkups
Regular wellness exams from our Maple Ridge veterinary team play a vital role in maintaining your companion's excellent long-term physical health.
We recommend that healthy adult dogs and cats visit us once a year. Puppies, kittens, senior cats and dogs, and cats and dogs with health issues or illnesses need more frequent checkups.
When you bring your furry friend to Country Meadows Pet Hospital for their routine checkup, we will provide preventive care aimed at safeguarding their good health. We will also perform a detailed physical exam in order to catch any developing conditions early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During an Exam
During your cat or dog's routine exam, we will review your four-legged friend's medical history to determine whether they are due for any vaccinations or parasite prevention, and make recommendations targeted to your cat or dog's unique needs.
Once the examination has been completed, your veterinarian will take time to discuss any concerns they may have about your furry family member's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements. Our team can also assist you with behavioural and health concerns such as housetraining.
Cats and dogs checkups at our veterinary clinic in Maple Ridge typically include an examination of each of the following elements of your cat or dog's health:
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Blood Work
Because the signs that your pet is sick are not always obvious, blood tests are often recommended as part of your pet’s annual exam. Blood work provides us with a valuable picture of your cat or dog’s health.
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General Condition
The general demeanour and physical condition of your furry friend can provide vital clues to their overall health. How your dog or cat stands and walks, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
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Coat & Skin
During your dog or cat's checkup, your veterinarian will examine your companion's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss.
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Face & Head
Pet checkups include an examination of your furry friend's eyes, ears, and nose. Your veterinarian will look for any abnormalities or unusual discharge in these areas.
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Teeth & Mouth
Our team will check your fur baby's teeth and mouth for symptoms of oral health concerns such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease to help determine if your dog or cat requires dental care.
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Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are essential elements of your cat or dog's heart health. We'll check these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine your furry friend's abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Get your newest family member off to a healthy start in life with puppy and kitten wellness appointments at Country Meadows Pet Hospital.
These early appointments allow our veterinarians to provide all of the essential care your beautiful fur baby needs during their first few weeks of life, including a detailed physical examination, immunizations, parasite testing, and deworming medication as needed.
Once your puppy or kitten's first checkup is complete, you will need to bring them in for periodic appointments throughout their first year for required booster shots.
Learn More About Care For Puppies & Kittens
Checkups for Seniors
As your four-legged family member enters the senior years, regular examinations will play a critical role in ensuring their continuing good health and longevity. During your elderly companion's wellness exam, your veterinarian will be watchful for signs of potential age-related conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and visual impairment.
Additional lab testing may be recommended for aging dogs and cats in order to provide you with a more detailed diagnosis of your senior companion's condition and provide a targeted treatment plan.