Wellness Care for Every Age and Stage

The veterinary team at Park Hills Animal Hospital believes that prevention contributes to your pet's long term health and minimizes the lifetime cost of care. We strongly recommend routine wellness exams, vaccinations, regular lab work, deworming and fecal checks, as well as medications to prevent heartworm, fleas and ticks to keep your pet in optimum health.

Wellness exams are especially important for very young pets and senior pets, which are animals over seven years of age. They provide us with a general picture of your pet's overall health and are invaluable in identifying and addressing concerns before they become serious problems.

Please take a look at the services we offer to learn why we believe they are important to the care and well-being of your pet. Then give us a call to set up an appointment today!

Your Pet's Wellness Examination at Park Hills Animal Hospital

Wellness examinations are the same for your pet as the yearly physical you receive from your doctor. It's a chance for us to assess your pet's overall health, discuss any changes we see, educate and update you on advancements in veterinary care, and is also an opportunity for you to discuss any of your concerns or ask questions.

Your pet's yearly wellness examination at Park Hills Animal Hospital includes our commitment to:

• Examine your pet's teeth, throat, and oral cavity

• Check your pet's vision and examine the eyes

• Examine the ears for infection, ear mites, allergic reaction, and other related health issues

• Examine the respiratory system

• Assess your pet's heart and evaluate cardiac function

• Test your pet's reflexes

• Palpate lymph nodes and abdomen

• Inspect the skin

• Palpate joints and muscles for arthritis and other orthopedic conditions

• Test to evaluate the function of internal organs and other systems

• Assess changes in your pet's body weight, appetite, urination, and bowel habits

• Inquire as to your pet's activity level

• Palpate the skin for unusual growth developments

• Monitor your pet's blood count

• Utilize laboratory testing to detect early signs of Lyme or Heartworm disease

• Assess and evaluate general or specific changes in your pet's health since the last wellness visit

• Discuss preventive techniques with you, the pet owner

• Collect and examine fecal samples for signs of parasitic infestation

• Evaluate your pet for repetitive licking or biting in one area

• Assess your pet's hair/fur and check for matting

• Demonstrate to you, the pet owner, how to administer at-home medication

• Engage you, the pet owner, in conversation and answer your questions and concerns

Deworming and Fecal Check

Dangerous parasites are always present in the environment. We recommend regular fecal checks and deworming as the best way to prevent parasitic disease and the transmission of intestinal parasites to your pet and your family members.

Regular Blood Testing

A complete physical should include a blood test. Not only can a chemistry panel and blood count identify the presence of underlying disease processes, but these tests help create a baseline should your pet become ill between regular examinations.

You Know Your Pet Best

No one knows and understands your pet like you do. At home, watch for subtle changes in your pet's body weight, appetite, water intake, urination, and bowel habits, as well as general attitude and activity level. These changes may be signs of medical problems. Lumps and bumps under the skin may seem harmless, but can be cancerous. Ear infections, abscessed teeth, and gum disease are common, painful conditions that may not become obvious until seriously advanced. A comprehensive physical exam is the tool to evaluate your dog's, cat's, or other pet's health status and to help you make informed decisions about the care of your special companion. If you notice anything unusual about your pet's behavior or physical condition, please give us a call.