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What happens during the appointment? The nurse or vet will ask you how your pet is getting on at home and whether you have any concerns such as a change in eating or drinking habits, change to exercise routine, or unusual behaviours.
Should my pet have regular health checks?
They will greet your pet and assess their general demeanour and condition, often by watching them interact with their surroundings in the clinic.
They are likely to then look more closely at a few key areas:
Weight It can be difficult to notice changes in weight at home, especially if they happen gradually. Small things like a drop in exercise can make a big difference. Your pet will be weighed on the scales and their weight recorded, as well as having a body condition score performed. This involves feeling over the ribs and waist, and accounts for growth better than just a weight.
Just like us humans, we need to keep tabs on our general health with medical check-ups at our local doctors’ surgery. It’s the same thing for pets, except they can’t tell us if they think they have any ailments or conditions. This is why it’s important to take your pet to your local practice every six months to be sure that they are happy and in good health.
If you’re a member of The Healthy Pet Club , your pet is entitled to a six month health check in addition to their annual vaccination appointment each year. The majority of six month health checks are with a qualified veterinary nurse, but you may see a vet depending on individual clinic staffing. Why is a six month health check important for my pet? We tend to only go to the doctors if we are ill, but our pets cannot tell us if they feel unwell and any signs may be subtle or even absent at home. A pet with no obvious medical problems may only be checked yearly during their vaccination appointment. By adding a check half-way through the year, your pet’s health can be regularly monitored and you can receive advice about ways to keep them in great shape and detect any early signs of disease.
If your pet is under or over-weight, the nurse or vet will advise you on a suitable feeding and exercise plan to keep your pet healthy.
Find out more about Understanding your pet’s ‘Body Condition Score’ >
Mouth Dental disease is the most common medical condition seen in pets, and affects animals as young as three years old. In the early stages, although gums are inflamed and tartar is visible on the teeth, most pets show no outward signs of the discomfort this causes. During the six month check, your pet’s mouth will be examined and any dental disease identified. Home care is essential for reducing progression, and the nurse or vet can help explain how to get your pet used to tooth brushing and the best products to use.
Shula Berg explains what to expect at your pet’s six monthly health check appointment…
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