Pet Wellness Exams in Poway, CA

Regular pet wellness exams play a crucial role in maintaining your pet’s long-term health. Even if your dog or cat seems healthy, a wellness check allows our Poway Animal Hospital team the opportunity to conduct a thorough assessment. Pets often hide discomfort, and many health issues may go unnoticed until they become more advanced. By scheduling routine wellness exams, we can help detect and address potential problems early, supporting your pet’s overall well-being.

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a veterinarian gently cradles a cat in his arms

What Happens During a Pet Wellness Exam?Heading

Even when your cat or dog doesn’t appear sick, they can still benefit from regular veterinary care. Pet exams give our doctors at Poway Animal Hospital an opportunity to inspect them from nose to tail and look for any abnormalities or signs of trouble. Pets are good at hiding discomfort, and many health issues aren’t apparent until they become more advanced. By bringing your pet in for annual wellness exams, we can prevent a myriad of health problems to help them live the happiest, healthiest life possible. Call 858-748-3326 to book an appointment for your pet!

Our wellness checks begin by weighing pets in and taking their vital signs. Our vets then give all pets a thorough physical, checking their heart, ears, eyes, mouth, coat, skin, limbs, abdomen, and back. After all pet exams, we brief you on our findings and make recommendations for any further treatment. Common follow-up treatments include blood, urine, and fecal testing. Blood and urine testing can be performed the same day in our in-house lab, along with allergy testing, digital X-rays, and ultrasounds. Wellness exams are also the ideal time to have your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention treatments boosted.

Wellness Care For Every Stage Of LifeHeading

We recommend all pets be brought to see us once a year. However, most cats and dogs need extra care at certain stages of their lives. Therefore, we have special recommendations and services tailored to puppies and kittens, adults, and senior pets.

Puppies and Kittens
Puppies and kittens should be brought in to see a veterinarian very early in their lives. These young animals often need treatment from parasites contracted from their mothers. They should also be started off on their vaccination treatments as soon as possible. We offer free pet exams to all cats and dogs within ten days of their adoption to start them off on the right paw! At your pet’s first wellness check our doctors can establish a plan for vaccinations and parasite prevention; discuss spay or neuter surgery; and answer any questions you may have about diet, activity, microchipping, or behavior.

Adult Pets
Adulthood is the longest and most active phase of your pet’s life. In order for your companion to get the most out of these years, they need regular medical care. At Poway Animal Hospital, we recommend adult pets visit us for a physical exam at least once a year. These exams give our doctors an opportunity to screen your pets for any signs of developing illness and prescribe treatment before the issues become more serious. Yearly physicals are also an ideal time to administer necessary vaccines, replenish parasite preventatives, and discuss any behavioral or dietary concerns you may have.

Senior Pets
At Poway Animal Hospital we have a special place in our hearts for senior pets. Ideally, we recommend senior pets, animals over the age of seven, be brought in every six months for wellness visits. Additionally, we recommend older pets have blood work and X-rays taken annually, even if you can’t get them to see us every six months. As pets age, they become more susceptible to certain diseases and often experience joint and muscle pain. Therefore, we offer multiple pain management options for senior patients, including medication and laser therapy.

Wellness care is one of the cornerstones of giving your pets the best life possible. We look forward to getting to know you and your four-legged friends. For more information about pet exams or to make an appointment with one of our physicians call us at 858-748-3326.

Protect your pet’s health with vaccines.Heading

When you visit us with your pet for the first time, we’ll talk more in-depth about a vaccination schedule that will suit their needs. Certain diseases, such as rabies, are often fatal to household pets and can be spread via contact with an infected wild animal. Also, rabies is transferable and potentially fatal to humans, so always make sure to keep your pet’s shots up to date!

Our vaccines for dogs include:

Rabies vaccine: The rabies vaccine is required by law for dogs. We administer this vaccination when puppies are four months old.
Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus combo: This highly recommended core vaccine provides protection against four potentially fatal diseases.
Bordetella: Protect your dog against the respiratory disease known as “kennel cough.” Since this infection is highly contagious, it is recommended for all social dogs.
Influenza: This offers protection against the canine influenza virus (CIV). This highly contagious respiratory virus causes flu-like symptoms and is different from Bordetella. We recommend the influenza vaccine for all dogs that are social and frequently board, visit the dog park, and travel with their owners.
Rattlesnake vaccine: Provides protection from the venom of the American Diamondback Rattlesnake. However, you still need to seek medical attention if a rattlesnake bites your dog.
Lyme: Protects against Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks. This is recommended for dogs who may be traveling to the East Coast or other areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.

Our vaccines for cats include:

Rabies vaccine: The rabies vaccine is also required by law for cats. Kittens should receive this vaccination at four months old.
Feline Distemper (FVRCP): A core vaccination which provides protection against three diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
Feline Leukemia: Because this virus is spread from cat to cat, we recommend this vaccine for any cat that spends time outdoors.

Key Benefits of Pet Wellness ExamsHeading

Early Detection of Health Issues
Wellness exams help us identify health problems before they become severe, allowing for early intervention.

Customized Preventive Care
Every pet’s needs vary depending on their age, breed, and lifestyle. Wellness visits provide customized care recommendations.

Regular Monitoring
Routine exams help us track changes in your pet’s health over time, giving us a clearer picture of their overall well-being.

Scheduling regular pet wellness exams is an important step in caring for your pet’s health. To book your pet’s next wellness exam or if you have any questions, contact Poway Animal Hospital at 858-748-3326. Our team is here to support your pet’s wellness throughout their life stages.