Routine Pet Wellness Exam
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, ensuring the well-being of your furry companions is our top priority. Our comprehensive pet routine health examinations in Montclair, NJ, are designed to provide proactive care and early detection of potential health issues.
Every pet deserves the chance to live a long, healthy life, and routine wellness exams are a key part of making that happen. These exams help detect potential issues early, ensuring your pet remains happy, active, and free from unnecessary suffering. By staying proactive with regular wellness exams, you give your furry companion the best possible care to thrive through every stage of life. With each exam, you build a stronger bond with your pet and set the foundation for a lifetime of pet wellness.
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, we understand the importance of regular health examinations for your pets. Our experienced veterinary team provides thorough wellness checkups that can detect potential health issues before they become serious problems. We take pride in our comprehensive approach to preventive care, which includes personalized attention to each animal’s unique needs and health history. With years of dedicated service to pet owners throughout New Jersey, we’re committed to keeping your furry family members healthy and happy for years to come.
What Happens During a Routine Health Examination?
When you bring your pet to Montclair Veterinary Associates for a routine wellness exam, you can expect a thorough and compassionate evaluation. Here’s a breakdown of what our dedicated team will do during the visit:
Comprehensive physical examination: We start by checking your pet’s overall health. This includes assessing their weight, coat condition, skin health, and posture. It’s the foundation of understanding your pet’s current state.
Heart and lungs check: We listen to your pet’s heart and lungs using a stethoscope to ensure there are no murmurs, irregular rhythms, or signs of respiratory issues.
Eyes, ears, and teeth inspection: We carefully examine your pet’s eyes for any abnormalities or discomfort, check their ears for signs of infection, and look at their teeth to detect dental disease, which can lead to other health problems.
Palpation and joint checks: We gently palpate your pet’s abdomen to check for any abnormalities and assess their joints for any signs of arthritis or discomfort.
Skin and coat health: Skin issues can indicate allergies, infections, or intestinal parasites. Our team will check for any rashes, lumps, or infestations like fleas and ticks.
Preventive health measures: We make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and heartworm prevention, all of which are vital components of long-term health.
After the physical examination, we discuss the findings with you. If any potential concerns arise, we take the time to explain them clearly and outline the next steps so you can make informed decisions about your pet’s health.
Why Routine Health Exams Are Important
Routine health exams provide numerous benefits for your pet–the earlier we detect issues, the better. Here’s why they’re so important:
Early detection of health problems: Many conditions, like heart disease or arthritis, don’t immediately show obvious symptoms. A wellness screening test can help identify issues before they progress.
Establishing a baseline of health: Regular exams establish a baseline of health for adult pets of all ages so we can track any changes over time. This is particularly helpful in detecting subtle changes as pets age, including in senior pets.
Preventive care keeps pets healthy longer: Preventive care, such as vaccines, flea/tick prevention, and dental care, reduces the chances of serious illnesses and infections, keeping your pet happy and comfortable.
Tailored advice for your pet’s needs: Every pet is unique. Routine wellness exams allow us to provide personalized advice on nutrition, exercise, and general care based on your pet’s specific breed, age, and health status.
Strengthening the bond between you and your pet: Regular visits help you stay connected to your pet’s health and create an opportunity to learn more about your pet’s specific needs. They also strengthen the trust between you, your pet, and your veterinary team.
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, we understand prevention is better than treatment. Annual wellness exams help catch potential issues early, reducing the chances of expensive treatments down the road and ensuring your pet stays healthier for longer.
How Montclair Veterinary Associates Makes Routine Exams Different
What sets Montclair Veterinary Associates apart is our commitment to providing compassionate and thorough care for your pet. When you choose us for your pet’s routine health examinations, you’re not just visiting a veterinary clinic—you’re partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your pet’s well-being. Here’s how we stand out:
Experienced and compassionate team: Our staff consists of skilled veterinarians and technicians who treat every pet with the utmost care and attention. We understand each animal’s unique needs and offer tailored treatments.
State-of-the-art facilities: Our clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, allowing us to perform detailed health assessments. From digital radiography to lab work, we use the latest technology to ensure the most accurate results.
Personalized care for every pet: We take the time to understand your pet’s lifestyle and history, so we can provide personalized recommendations that will keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
Comprehensive preventive services: In addition to wellness care, we offer a range of preventive services, including vaccinations, parasite control, and nutritional counseling, all designed to keep your pet in optimal health.
Ongoing support and education: We don’t just stop at the exam. Our team provides you with the knowledge and resources to help you take the best care of your pet at home, whether it’s feeding advice or tips for keeping your pet active.
With a strong focus on prevention and a comprehensive approach to your pet’s care, Montclair Veterinary Associates is dedicated to helping your pet lead a long and happy life. Regular wellness exams are an integral part of that journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Your Partner in Pet Health
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, we believe preventive care is the foundation of your pet’s long-term health and happiness. Our team of dedicated veterinarians brings years of experience and compassionate care to every examination, ensuring your pet receives the thorough attention they deserve. We take pride in our personalized approach to veterinary medicine, where each animal’s unique needs are addressed with the latest diagnostic tools and techniques.
For more information about our routine health examinations or to schedule your pet’s next checkup, please call us at (973) 321-7229 or visit our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions about Routine Pet Wellness Examination
Why is a pet wellness exam important for senior dogs?
A pet wellness exam is essential for senior dogs because it helps detect health issues that may not be immediately obvious. As dogs age, they become more susceptible to conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, and even thyroid testing may be necessary to check for hypothyroidism. A thorough physical exam during their routine wellness exam can ensure early detection, enabling quicker treatment and better management of these conditions.
What does a physical exam for an adult dog include?
During a physical exam for adult dogs, our veterinary team performs a complete checkup that includes assessing your pet’s weight, skin health, eyes, ears, teeth, and joints. We also perform fecal exams to check for parasites and assess any potential digestive issues. This routine examination ensures that your dog remains healthy, energetic, and free from undetected conditions. It’s also an opportunity for parasite prevention strategies and ensuring your pet is up-to-date on core vaccines.
Are kitten exams necessary, and what do they involve?
Yes, kitten exams are crucial for your pet’s early development. These pet wellness exams provide an opportunity for the veterinarian to check your kitten’s overall health and growth. The exam includes testing for parasites, such as intestinal parasites, and ensuring that your kitten receives its first core vaccines. Early exams are also an ideal time to address any concerns about nutrition, behavior, and even plan for parasite prevention measures.
How can thyroid testing be beneficial during a pet wellness exam?
Thyroid testing is important during a pet wellness exam, especially for older pets, as thyroid problems are common in aging dogs. Low thyroid function can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems, while hyperthyroidism may cause weight loss and increased thirst. By including thyroid testing in your routine wellness exam, potential issues can be identified early, allowing for prompt treatment and ensuring your pet remains in the best health possible.
What are the essential services covered in a routine pet wellness exam?
A routine pet wellness exam includes several essential veterinary services designed to maintain your pet’s overall health. These services often include a physical exam, fecal exams to detect parasites, and core vaccines that protect against common diseases. Preventive care, like parasite prevention (e.g., flea and tick control), is also an important aspect of these exams, as is general guidance on diet, exercise, and health concerns for adult dogs and senior dogs.
Important Routine Health Examination Facts for New Dog & Cat Owners
- Puppies should receive DHPP (Distemper-Hepatitis-Parainfluenza-Parvo) vaccines at 6-8 weeks and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.
- Rabies vaccine should be given between three and six months of age. A puppy’s first Rabies vaccine is effective for one year, and subsequent vaccines last three years.
- We may recommend the Bordetella vaccine if your dog has regular, close contact with other dogs at the park or daycare.
- If your dog is boarding or visiting the groomer, we also may recommend the Canine Influenza Virus vaccine.
- The Lyme vaccine is recommended if your dog will be exposed to ticks. This is common on hikes or when visiting heavily wooded suburban areas of NJ/NY.
- Puppies should begin heartworm preventative monthly at 3-4 months old and should continue this medication monthly for their lifetime. A blood test for heartworm is required annually.
- Kittens receive Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis-Calici-Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccines at 6-8 weeks and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age, and Rabies at 16 weeks. Your cat should be tested for Feline leukemia virus and Feline AIDS. Feline leukemia virus vaccination should be considered if your cat is exposed to other felines or goes outside.
- We recommend neutering male dogs at 6-12 months of age. We recommend spaying female dogs before the first heat at 6-8 months of age or after the first heat at about 1 year of age. Dr. Waxman is happy to discuss the age of spaying and neutering for different breeds.
- We recommend spaying/neutering cats at 6 months of age.
- It’s a good idea to bring a stool sample at your pet’s first visit so that we can check for internal parasites. Yearly fecal exams are recommended, as well as monthly flea and tick prevention year-round.
