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Pet health checks

Routine health checks are vital to detect any problems at an early stage, and dealt with promptly. Regular checks give us the opportunity to check your pet is developing well and is as healthy as possible. This includes checking their teeth, weight and more.

Pet health checks

Unfortunately, pets can’t always tell us when something is wrong, so routine health checks are vital to give us the opportunity to spot any potential issues before they become serious. Detecting any problems at an early stage allows us to treat your pet promptly. Getting treatment quickly greatly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

A 10-point health check will always be performed by our vet at the time of your pet’s vaccinations. You should bring your pet for two health checks per year so the additional one should be booked approx. 6 months after your annual vaccinations. If we have your correct contact details, you should receive a text and email reminder when it’s due. 365 Care Plan members get two free health checks per year included in their plan!

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A 10-POINT HEALTH CHECK?

This is a thorough nose-to-tail assessment carried out by a vet. It typically includes:
  • Listening to the heart and lungs
  • Checking eyes, ears, teeth and gums
  • Assessing skin and coat conditions
  • Feeling joints, abdomen and lymph nodes
  • Reviewing mobility
  • Assessing weight and body condition
  • Checking nails and animal glands
  • Reviewing diet, behaviour and lifestyle
  • Checking microchip, parasite prevention and vaccination status
It’s also a chance to discuss any small changes you may have noticed at home, even if they seem minor.

Your vet will be able to monitor the unique needs of your pet at the specific stage of its life – for example, paying special attention to an elderly pet’s blood pressure and joints or a puppy’s skeletal development – as their health needs will change as your pet moves through each stage of their life.

Cats and dogs on our 365 Care Plan get two 10-point health checks included every year.

A CHANCE TO REVIEW PREVENTATIVE CARE

Your pet’s health check is also the perfect opportunity to review:
  • Vaccinations
  • Flea, tick and worming protection
  • Diet and weight management
  • Dental care routines
  • Lifestyle risks such as travel or boarding
At our practice, we also offer year-round parasite protection options, including our annual flea and tick protection injection for dogs, designed to help keep prevention simple and consistent throughout the year.

WHY ARE HEALTH CHECKS IMPORTANT?

It’s easy to assume that a healthy-looking pet doesn’t need a trip to the vet. If they’re eating well, full of energy and behaving normally, it can feel like there’s nothing to worry about.

However, many health conditions in pets develop quietly, with no obvious early signs.Pets are naturally very good at hiding illness. In the wild, showing weakness would make them vulnerable, so even domestic dogs and cats often continue eating, playing and acting normally while underlying problems develop.

Common conditions that may not show early signs include:

  • Dental disease
  • Heart conditions
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • Weight-related health issues
  • Early skin or ear problems

By the time symptoms become obvious, the condition may already be more advanced.

EARLY DETECTION MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE

Catching health problems early often means:

  • Simpler, less invasive treatment
  • Better long-term outcomes
  • Reduced discomfort for your pet
  • Lower overall treatment costs
  • More treatment options available

In many cases, early intervention can significantly slow or even prevent disease progression.
It’s also a great time for you to ask any questions you might have about caring for your pet, and to receive expert advice from our friendly and knowledgeable team.

Our registered veterinary nurses also run free clinics such as dental checks, weight checks, senior pet checks. If the nurse thinks anything needs to be investigated further or treatment required, they will refer you for a vet consultation.