What Are Vet Checks?

Vet checks, also known as pet checks, are important to the well-being of your pets. Just like people, animals need to see the vet at least once a year for an annual examination. Annual exams can often catch health problems or disease in the early stages, when treatment is likely much simpler. Yearly vet checks help track your pet's overall health and ensure your pet stays healthy. The older your pets become, the more important it is for them to see a veterinarian.

  1. Cats and Dogs

    • At your pet's annual exam, your veterinarian will check your pet's weight, temperature and pulse. He will also examine your pet's coat, teeth, ears, eyes, and nose. He will feel the stomach and abdomen for any signs of swelling or growths. Most vets also take a fecal sample to test for parasites. At your pets yearly vet check, you will also be given the option of having its vaccines and rabies shot updated. Some owners elect not to give vaccines; however, vaccine laws vary by state. Your vet may also offer routine blood work. If he does not, you can request that blood work be done. Your pet's yearly vet check is the time to voice any concerns or problems and get advice from the doctor.

    Older Cats and Dogs

    • If you have pets that are seven years of age or more, you should take your pets bi-annually for a vet check. Older dogs and cats have a tendency to develop vision, dental, and internal problems. Senior pets are also prone to cysts, tumors and cancer. Bringing your pets to the hospital to get examined two times a year can catch the onset of an illness early. If treatment is necessary, your vet will be able to help you make the decisions needed.

    Equine Vet Check

    • In an equine vet check, the vet will check the horse's vital signs, eyes and teeth, and will look for physical abnormalities or congenital defects. The vet will also take a urine sample to test for drugs and hormone levels. The vet will then check the condition of the horse's body, charting if the horse is over- or underweight. The vet may perform a soundness test as well, observing how the horse walks, runs and trots. This test is used for making sure the horse is not lame in the legs. They will also examine the hooves for defects, infections and overgrowth. Some vets will do a neurological exam to check for neurological issues. If your vet forgoes this process, insist that it get done. The final part of a vet check is to have lab work, ultrasounds, and radiology films done. This will determine any internal problems such as cancer, tumors, broken bones, or pregnancy.

    Alternative Pets

    • If you own a rodent, avian, reptile, marsupial, or other exotic pet, you should take them to see the vet once a year. Even though these critters tend not to need special care, it's a good idea to take them to be checked for overall health. Sometimes rabbits, rats, iguanas, and guinea pigs need their teeth or nails trimmed; birds may need wing and beak trims. These procedures can be done as part of your pet's annual exam. Most small animals do not require vaccinations, although a few states do require ferrets to be vaccinated.