First Things First
When you first join our practice, we will schedule an appointment for you to come in and meet the rest of what will be your and your pet’s new family. You will find that everyone in our animal hospital will be actively involved in your pet’s care. During that first visit, you’ll meet with a veterinarian who will talk to you and begin creating your pet’s file. The vet will also make recommendations for care.
Wellness Exams
Our wellness exams focus on prevention, which includes administering the necessary vaccinations, performing fecal exams and blood tests to check for diseases and parasites, giving a thorough physical exam to check for illness, and scheduling spay or neutering. A big part of the exam includes answering your questions and working together to create a plan for giving your pet the best possible care. We’ll also discuss your companion’s future needs as it is important to provide different levels and kinds of care at different stages of life.No matter how old your pet, your veterinarian in Overland Park is equipped to care for pets young and old and to help you understand the changing needs of your companion. In addition, we provide surgical services, prescribe medications and provide support for you.
Sick Pet Exams
Nothing is worse than when your pet is ill. For any emergency, make sure to call our office so we can get you in as quickly as possible. When you arrive, the first thing our veterinarian will do for your pet gives him a complete physical exam. The doctors will examine your pet’s eyes, ears, skin, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and skeletal systems. We’ll assess temperature, pulse, and respiration and depend on the results, the doctor may order additional blood work to look at kidney and liver, pancreatic, thyroid and adrenal gland functions. In addition, depending on what we find, the vet may recommend further diagnostic testing.
Emergency Exams
The difference between sick and emergency exams is that for the latter, your pet is in serious danger. Injury, such as being hit by a car or being in a fight, is the most common emergency. If an unfortunate event brings you to our door, committed to providing emergency pet exams in Overland Park, we will give your pet immediate care and focus on the trauma.
No matter what your veterinary needs, Nall Hills Animal Hospital has been serving the pets and their owners Overland Park since 1974, providing the utmost in comprehensive and quality care.
Pet Exam FAQs
How often should pets see the Veterinarian for Examination?
The first visit is generally at 8 weeks of age. After that, most pets need to see the veterinarian once a year for a wellness exam, however, there are some pets that need to see the veterinarian more often. For example, pets who are very old may be asked to see the veterinarian every six months.
In addition, pets who display symptoms of illness, injury or a serious medical condition may also need to see the veterinarian more often than once per year. The following symptoms are an indication that your pet should see the veterinarian as soon as possible:
- Loss of appetite.
- Ongoing lethargy.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Lumps or bumps under the skin.
What does the Veterinarian look for during an Examination?
During the wellness examination, your pet’s vet will check your pet’s fur, skin, teeth, mouth, eyes, ears, nose and coat. The vet will also listen to your pet’s heart and lungs, and palpate its abdomen. Your pet’s vet may also take a sample of your pet’s blood and feces. These samples will be tested at a lab for signs of parasites and serious medical conditions.
What are the Benefits of Pet Examinations?
Pet wellness examinations have many benefits, including:
- Improved relationship with the veterinarian – Seeing the vet on a regular basis can help your pet get used to seeing the vet. This develops trust and a bond between your pet and the veterinarian.
- A chance to ask the vet questions – During your pet’s wellness exam, you’ll get the chance to ask your pet’s veterinarian questions about your pet’s behavior and health. This will help you understand your pet and can make you a better caregiver for your animal friend.
- Improved quality of life – Wellness exams help your pet’s veterinarian keep your pet healthy, which can improve your pet’s quality of life.
- Longer Lifespan – Pets who get regular preventative medical care may live much longer than pets who do not see the veterinarian on a regular basis.
Do Pet Exams Hurt?
Pet wellness exams typically do not hurt, except when blood is drawn. Even this step does not hurt very much, and most veterinarians are experienced at taking blood quickly and with minimal pain.
When is the earliest you can bring your pet in for his or her first wellness exam?
You can bring your pet in for his or her first wellness exam by the age of about 8 weeks. When this happens, your pet’s veterinarian may administer your pet’s first vaccinations and make recommendations for future treatment.
To find out more about your pet’s wellness exam, contact your pet’s veterinarian at Nall Hills Animal Hospital at 913-341-8836.
