More than just vaccines!
Most people know to take their pet to the veterinarian for routine vaccinations to prevent various illnesses in their animals. However, the yearly check-up is about more than just vaccines.
It is important to remember that visiting the clinic is important for even healthy pets, because it allows veterinary professionals to check for underlying issues that can be treated before they begin to affect the health and happiness of the animal, and act while the illness is in its most treatable phase.
During the wellness examination, our staff will undergo a variety of techniques to check that your pet is feeling their best. Here are some examples of what an owner can expect from our veterinary team:
- looking into the eyes, ears, and mouth
- checking the teeth and gums
- listening to the heart and lungs
- palpating the abdomen, joints, and muscles
- feeling for abnormal growths
- checking the skin
In addition to these routine procedures, no wellness examination is complete without bloodwork and a fecal sample. Physical examinations may greatly inform our veterinarians, but there is only so much the eyes can see. We must check what is going on both inside and outside of your pet to ensure that all is well.
Because wellness examinations are key to your pet’s health, we aim to make them as less stressful as possible. Having a positive relationship between veterinarian and patient is one of the best ways to avoid anxiety for both pets and owners. That’s why at Premier Pet Care, we use positive reinforcement whenever possible to make wellness visits enjoyable for pets and owners alike. Giving our furry clients treats and affection to build a trusting relationship makes bringing your pet in easier for you.
Our pets age much faster than we do. This is why, especially for seniors pets, we recommend twice yearly exams. This is great way to monitor for subtle changes in weight and check for physical abnormalities before they become bigger issues. Yearly lab work also allows us to identify trends and address changes proactively.
Parasite Control
Parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites are common and disgusting. They exist within almost every environment, including right here in Missouri. Taking action to prevent these creepy crawlies from taking up residence on or in your pet is a necessity. We employ annual testing through fecal exams and year-round preventive medicine in our proactive approach to parasite control.
Our veterinary team will work with you to select the best strategy for preventing parasites based on the lifestyle and risk of exposure for your individual pet. Methods of prevention may include pills or chewable treats, in addition to topical treatments.