Cat & Dog Wellness Exams in Pittsboro

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

The Hope Crossing Animal Hospital veterinary team is able to provide your cat or dog with a physical checkup at their appointment in order to get a good picture of their overall health. Routine exams and physical checkups at our hospital generall include the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.

Coat & Skin

During your pet's checkups, we will examine your cat or dog's skin and coat for signs of health issues including excessive oiliness or dryness, bumps, lumps, dandruff and abnormal hair loss and shedding. 

Face & Head

We will examine your pet's nose, ears and eyes for any notable abnormalities such as discharge. We will also check their mouths for symptoms of oral health issues like 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

After our vet has finished your pet's routine wellness exam, they will be sure to take some time to speak with you about any concerns that they may have about your pet's overall health and wellbeing and will speak with you about your cat or dog's daily nutritional requirements. 

Checkups for Puppies & Kittens

Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start. 

We will provide your new family member with a comprehensive physical examination, any appropriate immunizations and deworming medications. We will also test your young pet for any intestinal infections or parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family. 

Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your 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 excellent news for both pets and their owners, it also means that special attention needs to be given to our senior pets' routine healthcare as they grow older. As your pet grows beyond middle age, their regular appointments for vet checkups will before more and more important to ensure their ongoing health and well-being. 

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 wellbeing.