In the past, pets were primarily kept for functional purposes, such as guarding homes or hunting. While they were cared for, their role was often limited to utility rather than companionship. However, this perception has evolved significantly over time.
Today, pets are not just animals we own, they are integral members of the family. People now refer to them as “fur babies”, a reflection of the deep emotional bond they share with their pets. Pet parents invest in their well-being just as they would for their children, ensuring they receive the best nutrition, healthcare and comfort. From celebrating their birthdays to providing premium grooming services, the love and care have reached new heights.
Just as you need regular health screenings to maintain your personal well-being, your fur babies also require these services to ensure they live long and healthy lives. So as a pet parent, it's important to make sure you schedule regular health screenings with your veterinarian. During this session discuss every concern related to your dog with your veterinarian like any change in behavior, feeding habits, change in food preferences, hair shedding, any change in activity etc. This can help detect underlying health issues early on, improving the chances of successful treatment and ultimately prolonging your furry friend's life.
Today we will discuss all about regular health checkups that are important for your pet's health. We've compiled a list of items you should know when you visit the vet for dog health screenings. Observe your Furry friend- Primarily you need to observe that your dog's overall appearance like their body condition, posture, gait, hair loss, redness etc. Any kind of limping, weight imbalance, frequent licking or scratching, bad odour indicate health issues. In this scenario, always contact your veterinarian.
Dog health checkup include
1. Routine Physical examination
Your dog vet will check the vital signs like heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature and mucus membrane. He/she will also check your dog’s overall appearance, weight, and inspect the coat, skin, eyes, ears, and teeth. They'll check the ears and eyes for signs of infection and the nose for any discharge or abnormalities. For example, the light color of eyes can be a sign of infection or low haemoglobin. And ears should appear clean, pink in colour. They'll check the dog's mouth and teeth for signs of dental disease or oral health issues. They will also check the dog's joints and muscles to evaluate mobility and joint health. And weight check is also important, because being overweight affects your dog's health. If your fur baby is chonky, discuss a weight reduction program with your vet. Cut out all treats and table snacks. Implement an exercise program. Starting with short periods and gradually increasing the time.
2. Blood tests
Health checks also include laboratory tests. Actually when a dog is taken to their veterinarian the first course of action is a physical examination and lab work. Tests can include blood work, urinalysis, fecal test, or skin sample depending on what your veterinarian suspects is wrong from the physical exam. Blood testing is commonly done on dogs for purposes of diagnosis, monitoring response to treatment, and early detection of conditions. The most common blood tests that veterinarians recommend for dogs are
CBC (Complete Blood Count) - CBC is a blood test that can give a veterinarian a wealth of information. It provides counts of various types of blood cells. The total white blood count is reported as well as a breakdown of the types of white blood cells present, and the same is done for red blood cells. Platelet levels are also reported. CBC can give information on various kind of infections, allergies, worms, tick fever etc.
Next is Heartworm Test - Heartworm testing is an essential part of canine health care, as early detection of the disease can significantly improve treatment outcomes. SNAP test, commonly used in detecting proteins from the heartworm parasite in the dog's blood, indicates whether the dog is infected or not. Even if a dog is on heartworm prevention medication, yearly testing is recommended by most veterinarians, as it ensures the medication is working effectively and provides an early warning if an infection occurs. If left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to serious health complications, including heart failure and even death. So most veterinarians recommend testing yearly, even if the dog is on heartworm preventative. Early detection of the disease can positively impact the success of treatment and decrease permanent damage to the dog's heart. Apart from this blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine, ALT and Bilirubin, Amylase and Lipase, Glucose, Electrolytes, Thyroxine (T4) are also the part of blood testing. In which BUN and creatinine are substances in the blood that can be tested for and indicate the health of a dog's kidneys. While BUN can also be affected by hydration level and certain liver conditions, creatinine is a fairly specific indication of kidney function. ALT and bilirubin both indicate liver health. Actually when a dog's liver is not functioning properly, these levels might increase. Amylase and lipase are measured to indicate whether a dog might be suffering from pancreatitis. However, these are not a particularly sensitive way to diagnose that condition, and dogs with pancreatitis could have normal amylase and lipase levels. Blood glucose levels are most often used in dogs to help diagnose diabetes mellitus, during which glucose is high. Low levels in certain situations can also help point a veterinarian toward the existence of a liver shunt or liver failure from other causes. Thyroxine levels can give a veterinarian general information about a dog's thyroid and alert the doctor to possible hypothyroidism, though further testing might be necessary to confirm that diagnosis. To protect your dog from these problems and for their personal well-being, regular health checks are a must for dogs. Time to time vaccinations also protect dogs from these diseases.
3. Senior pet health checkup
Senior dogs are more fragile and require more frequent health checkups. Blood test should be performed every 3-6 months to diagnose early onset of disease. This will ultimately enhance the quality of life of your senior furry friend. However, it’s difficult to take your pet to the vet everytime, but you can always choose doorstep pet vet services in these situations.
4. Dog grooming
Dog grooming is also a part of health check. Actually when you’re grooming your dog, it’s not just about keeping them looking their best. During this you examine your dog closely. This allows for the early detection of signs that may indicate health issues. During this you can look for lumps, bumps, or areas of sensitivity that may signal skin conditions or allergies. Also you can notice any unusual hair loss, matting, or dullness that could suggest nutritional deficiencies or parasites. Apart from that regular grooming keeps your dog’s coat clean and free from mats, which can harbor bacteria and cause skin irritation. Brushing also stimulates blood circulation and nails trim prevents your dog from posture or gait problems. During regular cleaning you observe your dog's eyes and ears closely to prevent them from infections, means grooming contributes to your fur baby’s health.
5. Behavioral and Mental Health Assessment
Our furry friends may not speak, but they communicate in countless ways, it simply requires understanding their behavior and emotions. Just as their physical health is essential, their mental well-being is equally important and should not be overlooked. So with the help of your vet, observe signs of anxiety, aggression or any behavioral issues that may need correction or investigation.
Regular checkups are needed to keep your cuddle buddy healthy. For this, you will have to find veterinary services according to your pet requirement. Because different age groups, different breeds of pets have different requirements. So before visiting the veterinarian you should know your dog’s age, breed, and any health concerns. Mostly vet clinics and hospitals provide regular services like vaccinations, deworming, health checkups, and dental care. But before choosing a clinic, think about your pet’s needs and make sure the clinic provides essential preventive care, such as vaccines and regular checkups as we discussed above. But If your pet has specific health problems, then you contact specialists. Pet care- Dog parents are totally responsible for their care and health. So it is important when you adopt a pet to understand it is a lifetime commitment to a furry family member that depends on you for his or her health and well-being. It's your responsibility to ensure that your pets are healthy and nimble, you should take them to a local, trusted veterinarian for wellness check-ups at least once a year. This time period is for adult dogs. But if we talk about Puppies have need veterinary visits usually every 3 to 4 weeks until they are about 4 months old. Geriatric dogs (older than 7 to 8 years old) should see their veterinarian twice a year or more frequently because illness is more common in older pets and it can be identified sooner. Your veterinarian may recommend a wellness program for your pet, including routine blood work to monitor for problems such as early kidney or liver disease. Keeping up on your pet’s vaccinations is essential. Clean teeth and healthy gums also play an important role in your pet’s health. If your furry friend is showing signs or symptoms of being sick, take them to your vet or animal hospital right away to get them feeling better sooner rather than later. Another way to keep your pets healthy and happy is to regularly groom them, if needed. Matted fur can be painful and unhealthy for dogs. Dogs may not like it, but baths, brushings, nail trims, and flea/tick removal may be necessary for your pet’s well-being. Different age groups, different breeds of pets have different requirements. Most of them include regular vaccinations, deworming, health checkups and dental care which can be done by a general veterinarian. Consider your pet's needs while assessing a clinic's services. Ensure they provide essential preventive care like vaccinations and checkups. Check if they offer emergency services or partner with emergency hospitals. If your pet has specific health issues, look for clinics with specialized care expertise. There are few clinics that provide specialized care like renal care, eye care, rehabilitation center, cancer specialists etc. Additionally, vet home visits can be beneficial for anxious pets with limited transportation.