Pet Wellness Exams in La Mesa

Routine wellness exams from our vets at Rancho Village Veterinary Hospital focus on preventive care for your dog or cat. Wellness exams are pet checkups that help ensure your animal remains in good health.

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

Your La Mesa vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical pet checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine pet wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.

Coat & Skin

During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.

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

Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of 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. 

Nutritional Counseling

During your pet's checkup, your La Mesa vet will ask about your dog or cat's usual diet. If relevant, your veterinarian will offer advice on how you best meet your pet's nutritional needs and let you know if a change in diet might be warranted to support their individual lifestyle.

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

Proper medical attention in the first few weeks of life set puppies and kittens on the path for great long-term health.

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 new furry and rambunctious youth in the 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, we will schedule you for their needed booster shots. 

Checkups for Seniors

Advancements in veterinary medicine are prolonging the lives of our companion animals more effectively than ever.

It is wonderful that dogs and cats are remaining a part of our lives for longer, though it does pose new challenges for pet owners that you should be aware of. Senior pets require special attention in their golden years to make sure they continue leading happy, healthy, and comfortable lives.

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. Our La Mesa vets encourage a minimum of two yearly exams for pets of advanced age.

Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets as part of their examination to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.