What Happens at a Pet Wellness Exam in Bedford, NS

Many health problems in pets start quietly. By the time a dog or cat shows obvious signs of illness, a problem may have been building for a while. Regular wellness exams are how we catch those changes early, while they are easier to manage.

At Vetcetera Animal Hospital in Bedford, wellness care is the foundation of everything we do. Here is what happens during a wellness visit, how often your pet should have one, and how we tailor care to each stage of life.

Why wellness exams matter

Pets age more quickly than people, so a year is a long time in your pet's life. Our goal with wellness care is to find and address potential health concerns before they turn into significant issues, helping your pet enjoy a long, healthy and happy life.

We also believe your pet deserves time. We schedule generous half-hour appointments, which allows for a thorough examination and plenty of time for your questions.

What we check during the exam

During a wellness visit, our veterinarians do a complete physical evaluation. This includes monitoring your pet's:

• Weight (your pet is weighed at every visit)
• Heart rate
• Respiratory rate
• Overall body condition, and more

We also look in your pet's mouth. Dental disease is easy to miss at home, and a lot of it happens below the gum line. You can learn more in our article on pet dental care.

What we talk about with you

You know your pet better than anyone, so a big part of the visit is conversation. We will ask about your pet's lifestyle, diet, exercise routine and any changes in behaviour or activity.

Behaviour can be a significant clue to your pet's health. Our veterinarians can help identify and address issues such as anxiety, aggression or compulsive behaviours, and offer behaviour counselling and training suggestions. We also provide lifestyle recommendations based on your pet's age, breed, activity level and medical history, from exercise routines to enrichment and socialization.

Screening tests

Depending on your pet's age and health, we may recommend diagnostic tests as part of the visit. These can include:

• Blood tests
• Urine analysis
• Fecal examinations
• Imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound

These tests help us assess internal organ function, uncover hidden health issues and establish baseline values to compare against in the future. Our in-house lab and imaging help us get results quickly.

Preventive care: vaccines, parasites and nutrition

Wellness visits are also when we plan your pet's preventive care:

• Vaccinations built around your pet's age, lifestyle and risk factors. See how we build a vaccine schedule.
• Parasite control to protect against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal parasites. Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis, and we offer tick-borne disease testing.
• Nutrition guidance to help you choose the right diet for your pet's age, breed, size and health, including supplements or prescription diets when needed.

Care for every life stage

Whether you are bringing in a playful kitten, a curious puppy or a senior pet, we create a personalized health plan for your pet's needs and lifestyle. Young pets need a strong preventive start, adult pets benefit from steady yearly monitoring, and seniors often need closer attention as their bodies change.

How often should my pet have a wellness exam?

We recommend that healthy adult pets have a wellness exam once a year. Puppies, kittens, senior pets and pets with health issues may need more frequent check-ups.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a wellness appointment?

We schedule half-hour appointments so there is time for a thorough exam and your questions.

Will my pet need bloodwork at every wellness visit?

Not always. We recommend tests based on your pet's age, health and history, and we will talk with you about what makes sense before doing anything.

Do you see pets other than dogs and cats?

We primarily treat dogs and cats, and we also provide care for small mammals. Please contact us to ask about services for other pets.

Book a wellness exam in Bedford

To book your pet's next wellness exam, call Vetcetera Animal Hospital at (902) 450-4973, email info@vetcetera.ca or request an appointment online. Learn more about our wellness care services. We are located at 1144 Bedford Highway, Bedford, Nova Scotia.