What happens during a health check-up for pets?

Gina
- October 11, 2022

As a pawrent, you’ve probably taken your lil fur baby for a few check ups throughout the years! They don’t have to be ill, but annual health examination is a must for your pet to stay healthy.

When you bring them into the clinic, the vet is flashing lights into their eyes, checking their ears, and doing all these things that make you wonder “what are they looking for?” Well, we’re here to satisfy your curiosity! Let’s check out what are the things that happen during a routine pet health examination 🐶🐱

General physical check-up routine

The vet will inspect your pet’s overall health and physique! By checking their stance, gait, weight, and measuring their body length for the little ones who are still growing. Then, the vet will further inspect specific parts of your fur baby as follows:

Eyes to check for any abnormalities such as discharge, irritation, discoloration, redness, cloudiness, or any further issues with their eyelids.
Ears to examine any symptoms that might stem from bacterial infections, ear mites, excessive wax, or any irregular tissue growth.
Mouth to monitor for any unusual symptoms with their dental health, such as: inflammation, plaque, tooth damage & decay.
Skin & coat to investigate a variety of problems. Checking for hair loss, dandruff or more serious signs of parasites, lumps, bumps, and any excessive dryness – especially in pets with a thick coat or with lots of skin fold!
Nails & paws for damage or signs of more serious health conditions and disease.
Body & abdomen to inspect for any abnormalities or discomfort within their internal organs, and look for any signs of swelling, limited range of motion, or any signs of pain. Additionally, the vet would listen in to check their heart and lungs to make sure everything is a-okay!

After checking their general physical condition, if you’ve bought a health package from the veterinary hospital or clinic, there might also be extra procedures like blood test, urine examination, inspection of the liver and kidney functions, and even x-rays to analyze your pet’s internal organs. Feel free to take a look into each program and compare what will be best for your furry companion before making a decision!

On an important note: as pawrents, you should keep track of your pet’s medical history, vaccines, appointments and examinations!

Do you need a helping hand? Create a pet profile in our Healthcare feature on the MyFriend app!

This article is reviewed by the veterinarian from Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CUVET)

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