Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect at Your Pet's Vet Checkup in Ankeny, IA

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

General Condition

A companion animal'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. Skin and coat issues are often the result of environmental or food allergies that can be treated by our Ankeny vets.

Face & Head

During their checkup, 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. 

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. 

Nutritional Consulting

Our Ankeny vets are trained in veterinary nutrition and are able to recommend the right diet to treat your pet's health issue and best meet your pet’s nutritional needs.

Learn More About Nutritional Counseling

Behavioral Counseling

If your pet is acting inappropriately, step one is to rule out any possible medical condition Once a clean bill of health has been established, our vets can help you determine the best way of correcting your pet's behavior issue or refer you to a canine behavioral counselor. 

Checkups for Puppies & Kittens

Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start. 

We'll give your new fur baby a complete physical examination, immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for their required booster shots. 

Checkups for Senior Dogs & Cats

With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, senior pets are living longer than ever. While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. 

As your pet ages, regular exams become increasingly important to ensure their continuing health and longevity. 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.