by: Dr. Dawn Ruben
Annual physical exams are an important part of providing optimal health care and the best
longevity for your beloved companion.
It’s that time of year again. Time to take your dog to the veterinarian for his annual
examination. But maybe you’re thinking that you might skip it this year. After all, he isn’t
sick. Maybe you will just put it off until next year – what could it hurt?
Actually, delaying an annual physical exam can hurt. Annual physical exams are an
important part of providing optimal health care and the best longevity for your beloved
companion. Dogs age quickly and they are unable to tell us if they are feeling a little off.
Remember, it may be one year in your life but that can be about 5-10 comparative years in
your pet's life. A lot can change in that much time.
Sometimes, dogs can be ill for weeks and you are unaware of it. This may not be from a lack
of monitoring or caring; your dog just hides his illness until it is so far advanced he has no
choice but to show signs of disease.
Your veterinarian has special training and experience in detecting subtle illness in pets.
Listening to the heart can detect murmurs. Increased lung sounds may indicate early illness.
Abdominal palpation may reveal pain in certain areas, abnormal size and shape of various
organs or even tumors. Checking out the eyes can detect early signs of cataract or other
ocular problems. Ears may be in need of cleaning or medication. Dental disease may be
detected as well as signs of allergies or skin problems. It’s easier for someone who doesn’t see
your pet every day to detects lumps and bumps that you may not have noticed. Comparing
annual weights, too, can determine if your dog is heading down the path to obesity or is
slowly losing weight.
As a dog reaches middle to old age, annual physical exams become even more important.
Certain problems that you may simply attribute to "old age," and just something you will
have to live with, may be signs of underling disease and may be very treatable. Annual
physical exams also give you an opportunity to ask your veterinarian any questions you may
have about your dog’s health. Your veterinarian may recommend certain additional tests to
determine overall health based on physical exam findings or may have suggestions for
improving the quality of your dog’s life. Remember, the primary goal for your veterinarian is
to keep your dog healthy and provide the best care available. Your veterinarian cares a great
deal about your dog – almost as much as you.
A physical examination is not just a chance for your vet to see how cute your dog is; a
thorough exam can pick up on a variety of illnesses and prevent potential catastrophic
disease. By finding, diagnosing and treating these problems early, your pet will live a much
healthier and longer life.
Annual physical exams are an important part of providing optimal health care and the best
longevity for your beloved companion.
It’s that time of year again. Time to take your dog to the veterinarian for his annual
examination. But maybe you’re thinking that you might skip it this year. After all, he isn’t
sick. Maybe you will just put it off until next year – what could it hurt?
Actually, delaying an annual physical exam can hurt. Annual physical exams are an
important part of providing optimal health care and the best longevity for your beloved
companion. Dogs age quickly and they are unable to tell us if they are feeling a little off.
Remember, it may be one year in your life but that can be about 5-10 comparative years in
your pet's life. A lot can change in that much time.
Sometimes, dogs can be ill for weeks and you are unaware of it. This may not be from a lack
of monitoring or caring; your dog just hides his illness until it is so far advanced he has no
choice but to show signs of disease.
Your veterinarian has special training and experience in detecting subtle illness in pets.
Listening to the heart can detect murmurs. Increased lung sounds may indicate early illness.
Abdominal palpation may reveal pain in certain areas, abnormal size and shape of various
organs or even tumors. Checking out the eyes can detect early signs of cataract or other
ocular problems. Ears may be in need of cleaning or medication. Dental disease may be
detected as well as signs of allergies or skin problems. It’s easier for someone who doesn’t see
your pet every day to detects lumps and bumps that you may not have noticed. Comparing
annual weights, too, can determine if your dog is heading down the path to obesity or is
slowly losing weight.
As a dog reaches middle to old age, annual physical exams become even more important.
Certain problems that you may simply attribute to "old age," and just something you will
have to live with, may be signs of underling disease and may be very treatable. Annual
physical exams also give you an opportunity to ask your veterinarian any questions you may
have about your dog’s health. Your veterinarian may recommend certain additional tests to
determine overall health based on physical exam findings or may have suggestions for
improving the quality of your dog’s life. Remember, the primary goal for your veterinarian is
to keep your dog healthy and provide the best care available. Your veterinarian cares a great
deal about your dog – almost as much as you.
A physical examination is not just a chance for your vet to see how cute your dog is; a
thorough exam can pick up on a variety of illnesses and prevent potential catastrophic
disease. By finding, diagnosing and treating these problems early, your pet will live a much
healthier and longer life.
| The Importance of an Annual Physical Examination |
| Neponset Animal Hospital |
961 Morrissey Blvd.
Dorchester, MA
02122
Phone:
617-288-2333
Fax: 617-288-9282
Dorchester, MA
02122
Phone:
617-288-2333
Fax: 617-288-9282
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