What to Expect During Your Pet’s Wellness Exam
A wellness exam gives our veterinary team the opportunity to evaluate your pet from nose to tail and look for changes that may not be obvious at home. Even if your pet seems healthy, regular exams help us establish a baseline and identify concerns early.
During your pet’s visit, we may evaluate:
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Teeth and gum health, including tartar buildup
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Skin and coat condition
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Lumps, bumps, or swelling
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Weight changes
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Heart rate and rhythm
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Breathing and lung sounds
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Eyes, ears, and nose
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Body temperature
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Signs of discomfort, stiffness, or mobility changes
Based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, medical history, and exam findings, our veterinarian may also recommend additional testing, such as blood work, laboratory screening, or X-rays.
A Conversation About Your Pet’s Health
You know your pet’s daily habits better than anyone. That is why your pet’s wellness visit also includes time to discuss changes you may have noticed at home.
Please let our team know if your pet has had changes in:
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Appetite or thirst
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Weight
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Bathroom habits
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Energy level
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Behavior or mood
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Mobility
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Skin, coat, or itching
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Coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea
These details can help us better understand your pet’s health and decide whether additional care or monitoring is needed.
Senior Pet Wellness Care in Columbus, GA
Senior pets often benefit from more frequent checkups because health changes can develop gradually. River Road Animal Clinic recommends wellness exams at least twice a year for senior pets, along with diagnostic screening when appropriate.
Geriatric workups and blood work can help detect common age-related health concerns, including diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, liver changes, anemia, and signs of infection. Identifying these changes early allows our team to make care recommendations that support your senior cat or dog’s comfort and quality of life.
Pet Vaccinations and Preventive Care
Vaccines are an important part of your pet’s preventive care plan, but vaccine recommendations can vary based on age, lifestyle, travel, exposure risk, and medical history. During your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinarian can help you decide which vaccines are appropriate.
For more detailed information, visit our vaccinations page.
Schedule a Wellness Exam at River Road Animal Clinic
Whether your pet is due for an annual checkup, entering their senior years, or showing changes you want to discuss with a veterinarian, River Road Animal Clinic is here to help. Call 706-327-8329 to schedule your pet’s wellness exam in Columbus, GA.