Your pet’s health and wellness is a priority, so you take them to the vet when something is wrong. But what about the rest of the year? Bringing them in for a yearly exam and wellness testing can actually prevent serious illnesses that will cost you more money in the long run, and could be detrimental to your pet’s health.

Why Does My Pet Need Yearly Wellness Testing?

Some pet diseases present no symptoms, and furry friends can’t tell you when they’re sick. Wellness testing allows your vet to check for signs of diseases like diabetes or cancer that may be asymptomatic until they become serious.

When you catch medical conditions early, you may be able to take advantage of less costly treatment options or take preventative measures. For example, if wellness testing identifies that your pet is at risk of developing diabetes, your vet may prescribe special food. Early treatment of disease also means avoiding pain and discomfort that can come with an undiagnosed medical condition.

What Should I Expect From Wellness Testing?

For your pet’s annual wellness testing, the vet will draw blood and take a urine and fecal sample for laboratory testing. They will look at your pet’s complete blood count (CBC), which can indicate health conditions like anemia, kidney disease, and cancer. The urinalysis will check for kidney function, diabetes, and urinary tract infections, while a fecal sample that you may be asked to provide will allow the laboratory to test for heartworms.

If you have a senior pet, they may also test for thyroid disease, which can be related to sudden weight gain, lethargy, and skin infections. Thyroid disease and many other conditions indicated through wellness testing can be managed with medication to give your pet a long, healthy life.

Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital PSC in Southgate, KY, is the vet hospital you can trust for your pet’s annual wellness testing, boarding,  and dental and surgical needs. With an on-site laboratory, you can get fast test results. Ask about their vaccinations for life program, which will save you hundreds of dollars throughout your pet’s life. Call (859)781-1800 to schedule an appointment or contact them via Facebook with questions.