Annual Wellness Exams
At My Best Friend Veterinary Center, we believe that your pet is healthier when you are a part of his or her health care plan. Exams are a great time for you to share information with us about your dog and cat’s health. We may ask you questions about your pet’s diet and lifestyle and we encourage you to ask any questions you may have about your pet’s health. During an exam, we will discuss vaccinations, nutrition, behavior and other topics that are important for maintaining the health and well-being of your dog or cat.
Most importantly, we do a complete examination of your pet which allows us to develop a comprehensive health profile for your pet. This information aids us in future treatment and helps us identify medical problems at an early stage, before they develop into serious conditions that are difficult and expensive to treat.
Annual Pet Wellness Exams in Olivette, MO
Our annual wellness exams include:
Physical examination– Our comprehensive wellness exams are always performed by an experienced veterinarian. During the physical exam they will:
- check eyes for age-related changes, discharge, or infections
- check ears for infection and inflammation
- palpate the abdomen for abnormalities and swelling
- test the range of motion in each limb, hips, shoulders, and neck
- listen to the heart and lungs for murmurs or arrhythmias
- look at the coat for signs of fleas, inflammation, or lesions
- look in the mouth to assess dental and gum health
- feel lymph nodes for swelling
- and so much more!
They will make recommendations for prevention, diet, and medications specifically for your pet and your life-style. This is also the time we check in on any chronic conditions we are managing, such as arthritis or allergies, and talk about overall health goals for your pet.
Our wellness appointments are scheduled for 40 minutes (not the usual 20 minutes like at other clinics), specifically designed to address all your concerns and questions. The appointment length also allows you to truly form a relationship with your veterinarian and our technician team, so you feel comfortable with the care your pet is receiving at My Best Friend.
Vaccinations – Vaccines are an important part of your dog and cat’s total health plan. We will talk to you about your lifestyle and make recommendations for which vaccines are appropriate for your pet. You will receive vaccine reminders via text and email about services your pet is due for, and we list our prices right here on this website so you can prepare for your visit. Pricing Information for Annual Services
Heartworm Prevention– During your dog’s wellness exam (and any time you come to visit) we discuss heartworm prevention. Keeping your dog on heartworm prevention year-round is crucial here in St. Louis, Missouri. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, and our temperatures fluctuate so much that mosquitoes can appear even in winter months. As a bonus, most heartworm prevention also prevents intestinal parasites that pets pick up from their environment.
Flea and Tick Prevention– We also recommend all pets are kept on flea and tick prevention year-round. These parasites live in your yard and grab on to your pet to hitch a ride inside. Once in your home, they can infect your other pets and even humans.
Early Detection Bloodwork Screen– We recommend that all pets over 3 years of age receive annual bloodwork screening. Since pets can’t tell us when they don’t feel well, this is an important opportunity to identify underlying problems early. Our wellness screen evaluates liver and kidney function, as well as white blood cells, blood proteins, and electrolytes.
Annual screening also provides a valuable baseline should your pet ever become ill. If that happens, we can compare their wellness panel results with future bloodwork to better understand what is truly abnormal for your pet.
Heartworm and tick disease test- We perform this test annually, even if your pet is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. This is because the St. Louis area has mosquitoes that can carry heartworm disease, and no prevention is 100% effective. Additionally, pet owners statistically miss at least two doses of monthly prevention each year, which can create an opportunity for infection. Annual testing helps us catch heartworm disease early, when it is easier and safer to treat. Check out the American Heartworm Society for more information.
This test also checks for the 3 most common tick diseases in our region.
Stool Analysis– We check your pet’s stool every year for signs of intestinal parasites. Pets can pick up these organisms from their environment, such as drinking from puddles, attending daycare, or ingesting fleas. Intestinal parasites can cause gastrointestinal problems and may also spread to other pets in the home. Our test checks for hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Pedicure– During your annual exam your pet will receive a complimentary pedicure from our experienced team.
For annual exams for your dog or cat, and continuous support their whole life, contact us today!
