Just like you, your pets need to undergo periodic checkups to ensure they are healthy. Even if they are not displaying any signs of pain or discomfort, you should have them examined regularly for underlying diseases or illnesses. A quick visit to the veterinarian lets you avoid emergency situations that might take a quick turn for the worse. Here’s what you can expect during annual checkups and why they are essential to your pet’s health.

What Should You Expect From a Yearly Checkup?

Similar to your physical exam, the vet will ask a few questions about your pet’s overall lifestyle and eating habits. They will also take your pet’s measurements and vital statistics and examine each part thoroughly as they look for abnormalities, including hair loss, rashes, discoloration, or spots. If you notice any changes in behavior or unusual discharge, let your vet know, so they can look into it and suggest a few solutions to address it.

Why Is It Important?

Early detection is the key to treating serious illnesses and stopping their quick progression, especially if your pet is too young or old to fight off a life-threatening disease. Since animals won’t exhibit symptoms of a fatal condition right away, preventive care allows you to become more aware of their health problems. Younger animals have to be vaccinated against deadly viruses and routinely checked for proper growth. Older pets, on the other hand, must be brought in more frequently to detect early signs of kidney disease or arthritis.

How Do You Find the Right Veterinarian?

The ideal time to look for a trusted veterinarian or animal hospital is before you acquire the pet. Ask your friends for referrals since they might have the same preferences as you do. If you have a purebred or exotic pet, it’s better to inquire with a local breeder for recommendations. Before bringing in your pet, tour the facility and check whether it’s clean and well-organized. Make sure your pet feels at ease with the potential veterinarian before their first appointment.

Preventive care through annual checkups can make your pets lead longer, happier lives. For quality pet care, turn to the friendly veterinarians at Animal Care Center in Elk Grove, CA. They have been providing thorough physical examinations to ensure your pets are in good health. Call (916) 686-7393 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their veterinary services.