(301) 774-9500(301) 774-9500
Fax: (301) 570-5121
Email: office@ossvh.com
- Sunday: Closed
Your Other Family Doctor
(301) 774-9500(301) 774-9500
Fax: (301) 570-5121
Email: office@ossvh.com
You see the doctor for routine exams, but does your pet? Regular wellness exams are an integral part of your pet’s preventive health care program. In the coming weeks we will be sharing information with you on wellness and preventative care subjects.
“Why wellness?” you may ask. Wellness care can save, prolong, and improve our pets’ lives through disease prevention and early illness detection. The most important aspect of keeping your pet healthy is bringing them in for wellness exams. This is a thorough examination of your pet. Based on your pet’s age and risk assessment, these exams should be done at least once or twice a year. Because pets age more quickly than we do, doing exams more frequently gives us the opportunity to detect subtle changes in your pet’s condition and catch problems earlier, before they turn into more serious problems.
Bringing your pet in to the veterinarian can be stressful for some so it’s nice to know what to expect when you come in for appointments. One thing you can do to help reduce stress pets experience when they come to the veterinarian is to get them used to coming in. For dogs, this means stopping by the office. You can walk around the reception area with them, get them on the scale, and even take them into an exam room if there is one available. Our staff is always happy to give them treats and plenty of attention. For cats, a good thing to do is get them used to their carrier. You can do this by taking the carrier out and placing it in your home so they can have access to it. Feeding them in their carrier can help as well.
We will usually ask you to fast your pet prior to the exam, when a hungry pet comes into the office, they are more likely to accept treats from us, which in turn makes it more rewarding for them. Having them come in fasted also prepares them for any bloodwork that your pet may need. Every exam begins with getting your pet’s weight and temperature. The doctor will then perform a thorough physical exam to assess your pet’s condition.
After the exam, the doctor will discuss any problems they find, form a diagnostic plan, and a therapeutic plan if necessary. Routine wellness exams provide your doctor the ability to build a picture of your pet’s general health as well as catching possible medical issues early, before they become bigger issues. It also gives you an opportunity to ask your veterinarian questions about your pet’s health, habits, behaviors, and daily care. This is also a good time for the doctor to provide you with home healthcare, advice and new information for the care of your pet.