Preventive Vet Care
Wellness exams are the best way to maintain your pet's good, lifelong health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition, these routine exams include regular physical checkups to give your pet the chance at excellent lifelong health.
Every time you bring your dog or cat in for a wellness exam, we can help prevent health conditions, or catch them while they are the most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your Gainesville vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's overall attitude and physical form can offer clues about their general health. The way they stand and walk, their alertness, and whether they have a healthy weight for their breed and size are all important parameters for their health.
Coat & Skin
Your pet will have their coat and skin examined for signs of issues including dryness, excessive oiliness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, abnormal hair loss, or shedding.
We also offer dedicated dermatological treatment to pets who are suffering from allergies, rashes, skin infections and more.
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
Your pet's heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse are incredibly important to your pet's heart health. We'll check to make sure they are all normal. Their lungs will then be examined for any 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.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family.
Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her 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 wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's checkup at Browns Bridge Animal Hospital, your vet will check to see if your pet requires any preventive care or is in need of any vaccine booster shots.