Routine  Wellness Check-ups

Ahwatukee Animal Care Hospital Knows Individualized Wellness Care Is Important

Our philosophy at Ahwatukee Animal Care Hospital is to provide a customized approach to each patient and client we see because each patient and client has a unique history and needs.  We also believe it is vitally important to provide our clients with as much information as possible so we can make an informed decision together as to the appropriate course of treatment for your pet.  Often, there may be different approaches to caring for your pet's health.  If so, we will present you with the pros and cons of each option, so that you know you are making the best choice for your pet.

Regular wellness checkups are one of the most important things you can do to keep your pet healthy.  The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends annual wellness exams at a minimum and, as your pet ages, they suggest an increase in the frequency of visits.  We believe strongly in preventive care and have developed wellness protocols for every stage of your pet's life.

One of the most important reasons to bring your pet in on a regular basis is to monitor and treat conditions before they become untreatable.  Since pets can't vocalize how they are feeling, illness or disease may be present before you are aware of the symptoms. The benefit of early detection allows time for steps to be taken to manage or correct a problem before irreversible damage occurs.  Because our pets age so much faster than we do, regular wellness exams are one of the best ways that you can help your pet live a long, healthy life.

Every pet is unique.  Age, sex, breed, lifestyle, environment, and a laundry list of other factors ultimately dictate what good health and wellness means to each individual pet.  The veterinarians of Ahwatukee Animal Care Hospital understand how important it is to develop an individualized wellness plan for your animal family member.   We believe these routine physical examinations are perhaps the most important part of caring for your pet. These visits allow your veterinarian to identify any problems early, as well as address questions or concerns you might have.  Most pets should be examined every 6 to 12 months.

During a routine wellness exam, our veterinary team will start out by taking your pet's vital signs.  To get the most complete picture of what your pet requires, your veterinarian will ask for a complete history of your pet's health, including eating habits, exercise, home life, unusual behavior, etc..  Next, the veterinarian will do a comprehensive examination of your pet from nose to tail. He or she may also perform diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis,and intestinal parasite tests.  Additionally, an EKG, x-rays, and/or ultrasound, as well as disease screenings (i.e. heartworm, kidney, liver, blood disorders, etc.) may be recommended, depending on the state of your pet's health.  Also, vaccines may be administered (depending on your pet's life stage).

Wellness exams are a simple and effective way of monitoring your pet's health.  Wellness examinations do not necessarily mean that your pet is going to be subjected to a barrage of complicated or costly medical tests and treatments.  While some animals may need close monitoring of blood work, x-rays, or other tests, many pets benefit simply from being physically examined, having their hear and lungs listened to and their general health assessed, preventing a major health issue from developing undetected.  This also gives us the opportunity to analyze and record baseline values, such as temperature, body condition, and lab work.  We measure these when your pet is healthy, in order to provide better care in the event of illness or emergency.  Additionally, a dental health exam and a weight check are always important parts of a wellness exam, and may indicate problems that can progress rapidly and can have a significant impact on your pet's overall health.

Some of the areas that may be discussed at your appointment include:

Cat and Dog Vaccinations

There are many safe, effective vaccines available to protect your pet against the threat of disease.  Effective vaccination packages are sure to be unique to each individual animal.  By assessing your pet's individual needs, we can help you decide which vaccines and immunizations will be most beneficial to his or her healthy lifestyle.

Pet Parasite Prevention

Keep your pets free of intestinal parasites, heartworms, fleas, ticks, and other creepy crawlies.  Routine screening tests and quality parasite prevention products may be recommended by your veterinarian.

Pet Nutrition

You are what you eat and your pet is no different.  We can help you determine your pet's special nutritional needs and figure out a diet that is best suited to him or her.

Dental Care

Just as with humans, regular check-ups are important to prevent dental infections, abscesses, loose or missing teeth, and even damage to major organs due to bacterial infection.  Routine at-home care and regular professional dental cleanings can help to solve these problems before they ever occur.

Spays and Neuters  

Unless breeding is on the horizon, most pets benefit greatly from being spayed or neutered.  Not only can having your pet fixed prevent unwanted litters, it can also stop pets from running away, may lower the chances of mammary and other types of cancer, decrease the risk of certain prostate problems, prevent infections of the uterus and other reproductive diseases, and can significantly curb aggressive behaviors.

Pet Microchipping

A simple microchip procedure can help you reunite with your pet if you should ever become separated in the future.  The chip can be implanted during a surgical procedure such as spay or neuter or dental cleaning, or may be implanted in a single scheduled appointment (including your wellness exam appointment).

We also provide wellness care for Birds, Exotics, Small Mammals and Pocket Pets.

In addition to our comprehensive wellness services for dogs and cats, Ahwatukee Animal Care Hospital also provides basic wellness care for small mammals and pocket pets, such as rabbits, hamsters, chinchillas, ferrets, sugar gliders, and guinea pigs; exotic pets, such as reptiles and amphibians; and birds.  Routine examinations are just as important for these types of pets as they are for canine and feline family members.  The varied lifespan and rapidly changing physiology of such unique pets makes routine wellness checks a necessary part of lifelong care.

Early detection and correction of medical problems will help ensure that your pet will live a long, healthy, and active life.

Please contact us with any questions you

may have about taking care of your animal friend.

Call today to schedule your pet's annual wellness examination!  

(480) 893-0533