Cat & Dog Routine Exams

With Canyon Animal Hospital's routine exams, our vets focus on preventive care for your cat or dog. These pet checkups help keep your animal healthy.

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What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

Your vet in Laguna Beach can perform a thorough physical vet checkup to get a complete assessment of your cat or dog's overall health. Routine pet wellness exams at our animal clinic cover these elements:

General Condition

We can glean clues to your pet's overall health by assessing their physical condition and general demeanor. How they stand and walk, whether they are at a healthy weight for their size and their level of alertness can all point to their general health.

Coat & Skin

During your pet's checkup, we'll inspect your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including bumps, lumps, dandruff, excessive oiliness or dryness, shedding and abnormal hair loss. 

Face & Head

Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease. 

Internal Health

Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing. 

Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort. 

Review of Findings

At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements. 

Kitten & Puppy Checkup

In their first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens need proper medical attention and diligent care to give them a healthy start. 

We'll perform a complete physical examination for your new best friend and administer appropriate immunizations and deworming medication. They will also be tested for intestinal parasites. You'll receive a puppy or kitten 'kit' full of educational material and samples to help you care for your animal. 

Please contact us with any questions or concerns you might have about caring for your new pet, both during your appointments or in between visits. 

Once your puppy or kitten has had their checkup, you'll return periodically for any required booster shots. 

Seniors

With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.

While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity. 

In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.

Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and well-being.