The Importance of Cat & Dog Checkups & Preventive Care
Wellness exams play an important role in helping your pet maintain good overall health and well-being.
These routine exams can be combined with regular vaccination, parasite prevention, and advice on proper nutrition to give your pet the best chance of remaining as healthy as possible long-term.
When you bring your cat or dog in for their routine checkup, we're able to prevent health issues from developing in your pet or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
Download the early detection guide to diseases and parasites below.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
To capture a complete picture of your dog or cat's overall physical health, your vet will give your pet a thorough physical checkup. Bring your pet into either of our two locations in Houma or Raceland for their routine wellness exam, which will include these elements:
General Condition
We can glean clues to your pet's overall health from their general demeanor and physical condition. 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 general health.
Coat & Skin
While performing your dog or cat's checkup, we will check your cat or dog's skin and coat for any signs of issues, including lumps, bumps, dandruff, shedding, abnormal hair loss, or excessive oiliness or dryness.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test 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 the 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.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
In their first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens need proper medical attention to get off to a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We'll also test for intestinal parasites.
Your vet will take the time to offer tips and provide guidance on how to care for the newest member of your family.
Please never hesitate to get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or between visits.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and well-being.
Nutrition Consulting
Our veterinarians will ask about your pet's diet while conducting a routine physical examination on your animal. If one of our vets believes that your pet may benefit from a change in their diet, they will make a recommendation to you regarding which changes they think will be most effective.
If you have any questions about your pet's eating habits or diet, feel free to ask one of our vets, either during or after your pet's checkup.
Behaviour Education
Cats and dogs have personalities all their own. While every pet is unique, some behaviors may be problematic - or even dangerous to their health. That's where our veterinary team can help.
We bring extensive experience in behavior training with a range of problematic pet behaviors to help them and their owners live in harmony. Dr. Buffy Ackman-Schatzle can share tips, advice, and practical instruction geared to your needs.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our Louisiana animal hospital, the vet will also check whether your animal requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.