What To Expect From Your Pet's Veterinary Exam
Posted on: 5 August 2016
If you're new to the world of pet owning, going on your first annual veterinary exam can be a scary experience. Luckily, there's nothing you need to worry about and you don't need to go into the experience "blind." Read on, and discover what you can expect from your beloved cat or dog's veterinary exam.
Paw and Toenail Examination
The vet in question should give your pet a thorough paw examination to make sure that his or her pads are healthy and have not suffered from any damage. Pad injuries are usually nothing to be concerned about and usually require just a simple ointment application. If your pet's toenails have grown a bit too long, the vet might take the time to trim them.
Temperature
One of the first thing that the vet will do is make sure that your dog or cat's temperature will be taken. The body temperature of your pet runs considerably higher than a human, so there's nothing to fear if you see that your pet is running a temperature of anywhere from 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Some vets will have you hold your pet still while their temperature is being taken, due to the fact that the temperature will be taken rectally.
Brief Eye Examination
There won't be a need for a thoroughgoing examination of your pet's eyes during a regular checkup, but your veterinarian should be committed to giving your dog or cat's peepers a good once over. By examining the eyelids and the visible portions of the eyes, a good veterinarian can usually tell if your pet is currently at risk for the development of cataracts. Many times, a veterinarian can also tell if your pet is suffering from eye related irritations that might be caused by allergic reactions to dust, grass, or pollen.
Skin and Coat Examination
The veterinarian will give your pet a thorough examination of his or her skin and coat, as well. Simply by looking at the skin and coat, and feeling the texture of your pet, your vet will be able to tell if there are problems. Your pet's coat should not be brittle and flaky, but rather healthy looking, even if your pet has a natural predisposition to coarseness. In addition, the skin should not look and feel greasy and irritated. Many of these issues can simply revolve around the lack of a hygiene routine. Your vet, such as at Community Animal Hospital, can give you tips about how to schedule such a routine around your pet.
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