Veterinary Exam

Veterinary exams help us maintain your pet’s overall health. They’re similar to annual check-ups humans get at their doctors to assess their wellness and pinpoint areas the medical team can provide support. This might be more frequent, depending on your pet’s age and stage of life. Essentially, our veterinary exam is a way to stay up-to-date about important indicators of your internal and external health. If your pet is due for their veterinary exam, please contact our veterinary clinic at 403-335-3519.

How often does my pet need a veterinary exam?

Your veterinarian would be able to provide guidance based on your pet’s unique needs. Furry family members age at a much faster rate than humans do in one year. Kittens and puppies tend to have more frequent monthly exams because their early stages of development need to be closely monitored. For adult furry friends, yearly exams are usually recommended. For aging pets, check-ups twice a year help us continually assess the type of care we need to provide them.

What does the veterinary exam include?

Regular check-ups include general questions about your pet’s health, a physical exam as well as our veterinarians’ recommendations on strategies to maintain your pet’s health. It’s important to answer our veterinarians’ questions to the best of your ability so we can get a clearer picture of their daily lifestyle, diet and behaviour. These help inform things like nutrition counselling, parasite control recommendations and dental care. The physical exam includes assessing their external appearance as well as specific body parts. These are indicators of your pet’s overall health, including underlying issues. We might also recommend additional tests if they are helpful in getting a more holistic perspective of your pet’s health.

How can I prepare for my pet’s veterinary exam?

There a few things you can do to get ready for your pet’s upcoming appointment, including:

• Asking loved ones or others who take care of your pet to share any observations about their daily habits
• Making note of the type of foods you feed you pet, include the brand and quantity
• Mention any changes you’ve noticed in your pet, even subtle ones
• Preparing any questions you have for the vet