Preventative medicine is an important part of responsible pet ownership, and getting an annual pet exam is one of the keys to keeping your pet happy and healthy. At Best Friends Veterinary Hospital in Crossville, we recommend bringing your pet in for an examination at least once each year once they reach one year of age. Our experienced veterinary team will check for a wide variety of health issues to make sure your pet hasn’t developed any problems that might become serious in the future.
What do Veterinarians Check During an Annual Exam?
Not just a quick once-over, our annual exam is a thorough check of your pet’s most important body parts. We begin with a nose-to-tail inspection of your pet’s body, looking for differences in fur and skin condition. We also weigh and measure each pet to make sure your pet isn’t joining the millions that are overweight in this country. Our veterinarian will look inside your pet’s mouth to check for swollen gums or tongue, loose or missing teeth, or a need for teeth cleaning to prevent infection. As your pet gets older, we’ll begin to watch for arthritis and other joint problems, as well as digestive troubles and other problems older animals can develop.
Pet Parasite Prevention
Parasites can be either annoying or deadly, depending on the variety. Many pets suffer from fleas and ticks during the summer months, and we’ll start your pet on a regimen of parasite preventative medicine during its first visit to our office. One particularly dangerous parasite is heartworm, which is passed through mosquito bites. If left untreated, heartworms can seriously damage your pet’s internal organs and can lead to death in the worst cases. We will administer a simple monthly medication that will keep your pet from becoming sick from heartworms.
Pet Vaccinations
We vaccinate all of our pet patients, beginning with their first appointment when they are just six or eight weeks of age. All vaccines prevent deadly diseases from harming your animal, so it is crucial that your furry friend is up to date on all of their needed vaccines.
An annual pet wellness exam is the first step in providing a lifetime of healthy preventative veterinary care. Our friendly team at Best Friends Veterinary Hospital is ready to care for your pet, just as if they were one of our own. If your dog or cat hasn’t had a pet wellness examination in at least a year, it’s time to make an appointment to bring them in. Call our office to schedule an appointment today with one of our experienced veterinarians in Crossville or Cookeville.