How a Puppy Wellness Examination Can Prevent Health Problems
If you have a new puppy, they will need a puppy wellness exam. This exam is important in getting your puppy off to a healthy start. During the examination, the veterinarian will check for a variety of common puppy problems, including breed-specific ones.
Knowing more about puppy health problems can help you prepare your questions for the veterinarian. Keep reading to learn more about health problems the veterinarian may discover during a puppy wellness examination.
How does the veterinarian perform the examination?
Puppy wellness exams involve checking the puppy's condition and looking for common health issues. Most puppies get a weight check and a typical physical examination. The veterinarian will also look for parasites and skin conditions. Certain breeds of puppies may get additional checks based on common problems for that breed.
For example, puppies of breeds prone to hip problems may receive an additional examination in this area. Brachycephalic puppies may need a more extensive examination of the nasal cavity. Most puppies will not need treatment for these problems at the examination time. However, having your puppy wellness exam establishes a good base on which to monitor potential future problems.
What types of problems do veterinarians find during the examination?
Most puppies will have few or no problems found during the examination. However, the veterinarian may find one of these common puppy issues early enough to treat it successfully:
- Early signs of illness from parvovirus, Bordetella, or distemper
- Vomiting and diarrhoea issues and signs of dehydration
- Failure to thrive (such as difficulty gaining weight or not growing normally)
- Parasites like fleas and ticks, as well as other skin issues like allergic dermatitis
- Ear or eye issues. Some puppies may receive a hearing check
What happens after a puppy wellness examination?
When the veterinarian finishes the examination, they will discuss their findings. This is also a good time to ask questions. The veterinarian will give you a vaccine schedule and may discuss special diets and activities for your dog. If a problem was discovered during the exam, you may need to bring your puppy in for a follow up depending on the issue.
Schedule your puppy's first wellness exam soon after you acquire them. The goal is to make sure your puppy is healthy and address any congenital issues. Depending on your puppy's age and overall health, they may receive their first vaccinations at this time. By addressing problems early or before they happen, your puppy will grow and have a healthy life.
Visit a local animal hospital for a puppy vet check up.