Routine veterinary and wellness exams with our North Asheville vets are a key part of preventive health care for cats and dogs. Book your annual Asheville cat or dog exam now.
Annual Physical Exams For Cats & Dogs
Annual wellness exams are just as important for cats and dogs as they are for people when it comes to maintaining long-term health. Together with routine vaccinations and parasite prevention and good nutrition, regular checkups give your pet the best chance at good long-term health.
Annual wellness exams help us prevent problems from developing, or to catch them in their earliest and most treatable stages.
Annual Dog & Cat Exams: What You Can Expect
Our vets will thoroughly inspect your pet's physical state to determine their overall health during a routine exam. The veterinary staff will be using low stress techniques and positive rewards during the exam. Fearful or stressed pet? Call before the visit and we can help!
The exam will include:
General Condition
First, our vet will take a look at your pet's body condition and general demeanor — for example, how your pet walks and stands, and your pet's alertness, attitude and body weight.
Coat & Skin
We'll also examine your pet's coat and skin for any problems, including dandruff, dryness or oiliness, lumps, bumps, excessive shedding or abnormal hair loss.
Face & Head
We will check your pet's eyes, ears and nose for signs of any discharge, growths or other abnormalities. We also examine the mouth for any signs of oral health problems, like periodontal disease or plaque buildup.
Internal Health
We also check the heart and pulse to determine if there are any abnormalities in your pet's heart rate or rhythm, as well as any blood pressure issues. Additionally, the vet will listen to your pet's lungs for signs of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be examined for swelling or pain, and the abdomen will be assessed to ensure the stomach, bladder, kidneys, liver, spleen and intestines are normal. At this time, we also look for any evidence of discomfort.
Puppies & Kittens
When you bring your new furry friend to Animal Hospital of North Asheville, we'll start off with a thorough physical exam. We'll also provide needed immunizations, parasite testing and medication for deworming.
In addition, we'll provide you with helpful information about best practices for caring for your new pet. You'll also be given a puppy or kitten kit with samples and lots of extra educational material.
Seniors
Thanks in no small part to modern advances in medical knowledge, improved nutrition and new therapies, our senior pets are living longer than ever before.
We provide routine wellness procedures on all adult animals we see, but we'll give your senior pets special attention for any age-related issues, like decreased vision or arthritis.
Additional tests at our diagnostic laboratory are available to further help you assess the overall health of your senior pet.
If you ever have any questions about caring for your pet, please do not hesitate to ask. Our team will be happy to answer any question you have during your exam, and you can also call us at any time.
Vaccinations & Prevention
If your pet is due for any routine vaccinations or requires preventive care, your veterinarian will let you know during your pet's exam.