Taking an adult dog for a regular health check is rather like taking a car for its annual service. This is when hidden problems are picked up and minor issues can be dealt with before they become major worries.
(Check out Dog Health Check-Ups)
Annual Check
If you plant o take your dog for an annual check you will need to book an appointment in advance. The normal routine is for the vet to examine your dog from heat to tail and ask various questions – for example, about his thirst, appetite, diet, toileting habits, and exercise. If there is any cause for concert, detailed diagnostic tests may be recommended. You may be asked to take a sample of your dog’s urine to the appointment, particularly if your pet is a senior, as this will provide additional important information about the kidneys and bladder. The sample should be collected early that morning into a suitable container.
Your vet will also be able to advise on general health matters such as weight, body and coat condition, and control of worms, fleas, and other parasites. If your dog has a microchip it will be checked with a scanner. Other routine procedures may include clipping the claws if they are overgrown, and giving booster vaccinations to maintain protection against infectious diseases.
Some dogs don’t like being examined, or resent a particular procedure, such as ear examination. If this is the case, the vet may suggest muzzling your dog, or ask you to go out of the room and have a vet nurse assist because some dogs are braver and better behaved away from their owners.
Some veterinary practices also run specific clinics, such as those dealing with dental or weight issues. These may be run by a veterinary nurse, who will refer you to a veterinary surgeon if a potential problem is detected.
Infographic of Routine for Regular Check-Ups. *
Dental Check
A healthy mouth not only enables your dog to enjoy eating his food but is also important for his general well-being, as decayed teeth and infected gums can lead to diseases in other parts of the body. The teeth will be examined as a matter of routine at annual checks and any interim visits, but you may want to consider taking your dog to a regular dental clinic. Such clinics can give you advice on home dental hygiene techniques and will monitor your progress. They will also provide support if your dog has to undergo a dental procedure such as a scale-and-polish.
Weight Clinic
If your dog’s weigh is recorded at a regular clinic, any changes will be identified at an early stage. Unwanted weight gain may not be readily apparent from your dog’s physical appearance, so the sooner the problem is picked up the less the dog will have to lose to return to his ideal body weight. It is equally important to pick up unintentional weight loss, which may occur in an active dog who is simply not eating enough to meet his energy requirements, but could also be warning of a health problem. Many dogs become so used to being weighed that they head straight for the scales when they come through the practice door.
Key-Points to Routine Vet Check
- Making sure all is well. The annual check can be quite a social time for you, your dog, and the vet. This is your chance to discuss any concerns you have may have.
- Checking movement. The vet will move your dog’s joint, identifying any pain, stiffness, and reduced range of movement which may be signs of arthritis.
- Scanning a microchip. Checking that the microchip can be identified by a scanner is very important. Remember to keep the contact information registered against the chip number up to date.
* image credit
