Pet Wellness Exams

What to Expect During a Wellness Exam

When you come into Chipman Road Animal Clinic for your pet wellness exam, you will be greeted with friendly veterinary professionals who truly love animals and are here to offer the best care for them. The comprehensive pet wellness exam will begin with learning about your pet’s history, including typical diet, exercise, former health problems and your current parasite prevention program.  


Our comprehensive pet wellness exam begins with the following:


  • Checking bodyweight: does your pet have a healthy weight for its age and breed? 
  • Evaluating Skin and hair: the coat should be healthy and skin free of infection and parasites 
  • Checking ears: for infection or other problems 
  • Evaluating eyes: for redness, infection, symmetrical pupils, response to light, bumps, cataracts 
  • Checking teeth, gums, and mouth: look out for periodontal disease in dogs and cats.  
  • Evaluating the nose: to see if there is discharge, dryness or cracking. 
  • Checking the heart: does your pet have a normal heart rhythm and rate? 
  • Evaluating neurological health: looking for weakness in gait, facial dropping or loss of feeling
  • Checking lungs: are breathing sounds normal and at correct rate 
  • Evaluating lymph nodes: Are there any enlarged lymph nodes 
  • Checking the musculoskeletal system: is your pet lame or in pain with swelling or lumps
  • Evaluating the rectum: checking the anal glands and looking for anything abnormal 


dog-sitting-down

Depending on what is discovered on your initial pet checkup, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests to rule out possible health concerns. Those tests could include: 

Urinalysis

A urinalysis will be conducted to rule out any kidney problems or issues with the urinary system. It will also reveal any problems like diabetes.  

Blood Test

A blood test is used to check the immune system, presence of a disease and the function of organs. Blood tests for preventative care depend on the age and condition of your pet.  

Heartworm and Tick Disease Test

The heartworm test will protect your dog from the dreaded yet common threat of heartworm disease. The tick decease test will protect and prevent tick borne diseases such as Canine ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.  

Dental Exam 

We sometimes overlook the need for good dental care in our pets. When dental care is overlooked your pet will be at risk of developing a gum infection. If left untreated, periodontal disease will cause harmful bacteria to spread through your pet’s bloodstream and damage vital organs like the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys. Dental exams are essential for preventative care for pets.    

Biochemistry Profile Test 

The biochemistry profile test is an excellent diagnostic tool to analyze large amounts of information related to your pet’s health. It is a blood test that measures electrolytes like potassium and identifies the levels of enzymes circulating. In older dogs, the biochemistry profile test can be used it identify diseases in the earliest stages for prompt treatment.  

Parasite Screening

Parasites will affect your pet at some point in their life and, if left untreated, will harm your beloved pet. It is always better to prevent than to treat. That is why parasite screenings are recommended. The following parasite screening schedule is recommended by the Companion Animal Parasite Council: 

  • Puppies and Kittens: 2-4 times a year 
  • Adult Dogs and Cats (Not taking Broad Spectrum Heartworm Preventative Medication): 2-4 times a year
  • Adult Dogs and Cats (taking Broad Spectrum Heartworm Preventative Medication): 1-2-times a year.   

Thyroid Hormone Testing

Thyroid hormone testing affects middle-aged dogs and is a common disease that affects dogs (and cats) of all breeds. When the thyroid gland does not function properly, it will adversely affect your pet’s whole body; it will affect metabolism, the body’s tissues and organs and will compromise the immune system.   

Depending on what is discovered on your initial pet checkup, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests to rule out possible health concerns. Those tests could include: 

Urinalysis

A urinalysis will be conducted to rule out any kidney problems or issues with the urinary system. It will also reveal any problems like diabetes.  

Blood Test

A blood test is used to check the immune system, presence of a disease and the function of organs. Blood tests for preventative care depend on the age and condition of your pet.  

Heartworm and Tick Disease Test

The heartworm test will protect your dog from the dreaded yet common threat of heartworm disease. The tick decease test will protect and prevent tick borne diseases such as Canine ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.  

Dental Exam 

We sometimes overlook the need for good dental care in our pets. When dental care is overlooked your pet will be at risk of developing a gum infection. If left untreated, periodontal disease will cause harmful bacteria to spread through your pet’s bloodstream and damage vital organs like the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys. Dental exams are essential for preventative care for pets.    

Biochemistry Profile Test 

The biochemistry profile test is an excellent diagnostic tool to analyze large amounts of information related to your pet’s health. It is a blood test that measures electrolytes like potassium and identifies the levels of enzymes circulating. In older dogs, the biochemistry profile test can be used it identify diseases in the earliest stages for prompt treatment.  

Parasite Screening

Parasites will affect your pet at some point in their life and, if left untreated, will harm your beloved pet. It is always better to prevent than to treat. That is why parasite screenings are recommended. The following parasite screening schedule is recommended by the Companion Animal Parasite Council: 

  • Puppies and Kittens: 2-4 times a year 
  • Adult Dogs and Cats (Not taking Broad Spectrum Heartworm Preventative Medication): 2-4 times a year
  • Adult Dogs and Cats (taking Broad Spectrum Heartworm Preventative Medication): 1-2-times a year.   

Thyroid Hormone Testing

Thyroid hormone testing affects middle-aged dogs and is a common disease that affects dogs (and cats) of all breeds. When the thyroid gland does not function properly, it will adversely affect your pet’s whole body; it will affect metabolism, the body’s tissues and organs and will compromise the immune system.   

Take advantage of your time with our veterinarian at Chipman Road Animal Clinic during your pet’s wellness exam by asking any questions you might have concerning your pet’s health or behavior. Are there any lumps or bumps on your pet you are concerned about? Why does my dog eat grass or poop? You should ask about nutritional and exercise needs as well as parasite prevention while you are here. Your veterinarian at Chipman Road Animal Clinic will be happy to give you all kinds of tips and advice on how to care for your furry pal for a long healthy life.

What Will Happen After Testing

It is best (and cheaper) to keep your dog or cat healthy with regular pet wellness exams than it is to correct health issues after they occur. After testing your pet, we will discuss the individual health needs of your pet and offer our recommendations to keep your four legged buddy strong and healthy. 

Additional Pet Screenings 

There could be some breed-specific wellness needs to discuss about your pet. Additional pet screenings will be recommended if needed for your specific breed and age of your pet.  

Nutritional Recommendations 

Also based on the age and breed of your dog or cat, we have valuable nutritional recommendations for your pet’s health. Because nutritional needs change as your pet matures, we will help you adjust their diet based on their current need. 

Pet Behavior Advice

Our professionals at Chipman Road Animal Clinic are experts on dog and cat behaviors, so please ask about behaviors that concerns you. We have valuable advice to offer for the comprehensive health needs of your pet; always feel free to ask about any concerns you may have.

Take advantage of your time with our veterinarian at Chipman Road Animal Clinic during your pet’s wellness exam by asking any questions you might have concerning your pet’s health or behavior. Are there any lumps or bumps on your pet you are concerned about? Why does my dog eat grass or poop? You should ask about nutritional and exercise needs as well as parasite prevention while you are here. Your veterinarian at Chipman Road Animal Clinic will be happy to give you all kinds of tips and advice on how to care for your furry pal for a long healthy life.

What Will Happen After Testing

It is best (and cheaper) to keep your dog or cat healthy with regular pet wellness exams than it is to correct health issues after they occur. After testing your pet, we will discuss the individual health needs of your pet and offer our recommendations to keep your four legged buddy strong and healthy. 

Additional Pet Screenings 

There could be some breed-specific wellness needs to discuss about your pet. Additional pet screenings will be recommended if needed for your specific breed and age of your pet.  

Nutritional Recommendations 

Also based on the age and breed of your dog or cat, we have valuable nutritional recommendations for your pet’s health. Because nutritional needs change as your pet matures, we will help you adjust their diet based on their current need. 

Pet Behavior Advice

Our professionals at Chipman Road Animal Clinic are experts on dog and cat behaviors, so please ask about behaviors that concerns you. We have valuable advice to offer for the comprehensive health needs of your pet; always feel free to ask about any concerns you may have.

pug-dog-looking-at-the-camera

How to Plan a Wellness Exam 

When planning for your pet wellness exam, come prepared with basic information like what brand and type of food your pet eats. Does your dog or cat get table scraps? Are you giving them any vitamins? Come prepared with a list of all health questions you may have. If you have health records or a journal for your pet, bring them with you.  


When you book your pet wellness appointment, ask if there is something you should do or bring for your appointment. Your veterinarian may want your pet to fast before coming in or may need urine or stool samples.  

Visit Chipman Road Animal Clinic

Pets can mask symptoms of illnesses well, so routine wellness exams are important for early detection that will prevent disease. Our professionals at Chipman Road Animal Clinic are passionate about pet health and will treat your pets like family. Our mission is to provide the best veterinary care for dogs and cats with affordable prices. Bring your pet in when it is convenient for you as no appointment is required for emergencies or for routine care. You will find friendly, helpful, and caring professionals in a clean and cheerful environment when you visit Chipman Road Animal Clinic. 

Questions? Give us a call!

816-524-1886