Preventative care exams (routine wellness exams) are like checkups for dogs and cats, they give your vet the opportunity to look for any diseases, illnesses, or other conditions before they become worse. In this blog, our vets in New Ulm talk about the benefits of preventative care exams, and how you can plan/ prepare for them ahead of time.
What Makes Preventive Care Exams Important?
Bringing your pet to our New Ulm veterinary clinic for a routine wellness exam provides your Brown County vet with the opportunity to find any medical problems before they become worse. They also give your veterinarian the chance to provide your cat or dog with any preventative medications, vaccines, or booster shots they require to keep them safe from common illnesses or parasites.
These exams and checks are your pet's best opportunity to achieve lifelong good health.
Providing your pet with preventative care also costs a lot less than treating advanced illnesses, diseases, and parasitic conditions when they are more difficult to treat. Preventive exams and early detection can also save your pet from experiencing more pain or discomfort.
How To Plan For Your Pet's Exam
Planning for your pet's preventive care appointment at New Ulm Regional Veterinary Center could make the process easier and less stressful for both you and your cat or dog. Below we have provided a list of ways you can prepare for your furry companion's routine checkup:
- Book an appointment slot where you have no time restrictions because the duration of the exam will depend on your pet's breed and medical condition.
- If this is your pet's first time coming to see our New Ulm regional vet arrive about 10 minutes early to complete the new patient forms.
- Bring records of your pet's medical history and past/present medications and dosages.
- Take notes of your pet's food, exercise routine, and bowel movements to help your vet understand your pet's lifestyle.
- Inform your vet of any previous or recent tick bites.
- Your vet might ask you to bring in a fresh sample of your pet's stool for a fecal exam or a urine sample for a urine test.
- To help your cat or dog stay calm during their appointment bring their favorite toy or blanket.
- Record any symptoms or behaviors that your pet is displaying that's concerning you to share with the veterinarian.
- Prepare any questions you have for your vet ahead of time.
- Call your vet to ask them if it is okay for your cat or dog to eat before their appointment (some tests require fasting).
- Remember to bring your cat or small dog in a carrier, if you have a larger dog keep them on their leash.
- Ask your vet for a cost estimate and Inform them of your budget so they can adjust the exams accordingly.