Wellness & Preventive Care Examinations

Regular wellness examinations are an important part of maintaining your pet’s health and well-being. Even when your pet appears healthy, routine examinations allow our veterinary team to monitor their overall health, identify changes early, and provide preventive care tailored to their individual needs.

At Apricot Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians perform a thorough physical examination and take the time to discuss your pet’s health, lifestyle, nutrition, preventive care, and any concerns you may have noticed at home.

What to Expect During Your Pet’s Wellness Examination

During your pet’s examination, our veterinarian will evaluate your pet from nose to tail to develop a complete picture of their overall health.

General Health & Condition
Your pet’s appearance, posture, movement, behavior, alertness, and body condition can provide important information about their health. We will assess their overall condition and body weight to help determine whether they are maintaining a healthy weight.

Skin & Coat
We will examine your pet’s skin and coat for abnormalities such as dryness, excessive oiliness, irritation, hair loss, dandruff, lumps, bumps, or other changes that may require further evaluation.

Eyes, Ears, Nose & Mouth
Your pet’s eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities, inflammation, discharge, or other signs of illness. We will also evaluate the mouth and teeth for signs of dental disease, plaque, tartar, gum inflammation, or other oral health concerns.

Heart, Lungs & Circulation
Our veterinarian will listen carefully to your pet’s heart and lungs and evaluate their heart rate, rhythm, pulse, and breathing. These assessments can help identify changes that may not be obvious at home.

Abdomen & Internal Health
Your veterinarian will gently examine your pet’s abdomen to assess the organs, including the stomach, intestines, kidneys, bladder, liver, and spleen. We will also check the lymph nodes for enlargement or discomfort and look for any signs of pain or abnormalities.

Preventive Care & Your Pet’s Individual Needs

A wellness examination is more than a physical exam. It is an opportunity to review your pet’s overall healthcare plan and make sure their preventive care is appropriate for their age, lifestyle, and individual needs.

Depending on your pet’s health and risk factors, we may discuss:

  • Vaccinations and vaccine recommendations
  • Heartworm prevention
  • Flea and tick prevention
  • Intestinal parasite prevention and fecal testing
  • Dental health and professional dental care
  • Nutrition and weight management
  • Routine laboratory screening
  • Age-appropriate wellness testing
  • Lifestyle and behavioral concerns

Reviewing Our Findings With You

At the end of the examination, your veterinarian will review their findings with you and answer any questions you may have. If we identify an area that needs additional attention, we will explain our recommendations and discuss the next steps with you.

Your observations matter. Changes in appetite, thirst, energy level, behavior, bathroom habits, mobility, or other daily routines can provide valuable information about your pet’s health. Please let our team know about anything you have noticed, even if it seems minor.

Our goal is to work together with you to provide your pet with preventive, personalized care at every stage of life.

Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Examination

If your pet is due for a wellness examination, or if you have questions about their preventive care, please contact Apricot Veterinary Hospital at (209) 895-7387. Our team is here to help your pet stay healthy and comfortable throughout every stage of life.