Routine exams from our vets at Dogwood Trails Animal Hospital allow our veterinarians to assess your pet's health and catch any emerging issues early on while they are the most treatable.
Routine pet wellness exams are critical to helping your cat or dog maintain good long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition, routine examinations give your pet the best chance at lifelong health and well-being.
When you bring your pet in for a routine exam we can catch any emerging health issues before they become more serious, offer the appropriate preventive care, and assess your pet's diet to ensure their nutritional needs are being met.
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. We will assess how they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size.
Coat & Skin
During the exam, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal shedding.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Keeping your dog or cat's vaccinations current is essential when it comes to protecting them from a range of contagious, often serious, diseases. As part of the preventive care umbrella, we also strongly suggest that pets be microchipped and spayed or neutered. Spay and neuter procedures prevent unwanted litters, can protect against some forms of cancer and may prevent unwanted behaviors such as howling or aggression.
Cat Vaccinations
In their first year of life, kittens need the following shots to protect them from serious diseases.
Dog Vaccinations
In their first year, puppies need these shots to protect them from dangerous diseases.
Parasites pose a serious health threat to people and animals in the Bentonville area. Left untreated, parasites can threaten the life of your cat or dog, and in some cases can even be transmitted to other people or pets living in your household. Our parasite prevention products can help protect your dog or cat from the following common parasites:
Fleas
Fleas are external parasites that feed on the blood of birds and mammals. Left untreated, fleas can quickly spread throughout your household.
Ticks
These external parasites consume the blood of mammals and are responsible for the spread of a number of serious conditions in people and pets.
Ear Mites
Tiny, highly contagious ear mites reside in the ear canals of dogs, cats and other mammals. These parasites reproduce continuously throughout their lifespan.
Heartworm
This thread-like parasitic roundworm is spread through mosquito bites and makes its home in the heart, lungs and blood vessels of infected animals.
Hookworm
These parasites live in the digestive tract of cats and dogs where they feed on the pet's blood. Hookworms can lead to anemia and other serious conditions.
Roundworm
This parasitic worm lives in the intestine and feeds on partially digested intestinal contents. This parasite can rob your pet of vital nutrients necessary to stay healthy.
Tapeworm
Tapeworms are spread through the ingestion of infected fleas during grooming. These hook-like parasitic worms live and grow in your pet's intestines.
Whipworm
Whipworms are spread through the ingestion of soil that has been in contact with an infected dog's feces. Whipworms pose a serious health risk to dogs.
A microchip is a permanent form of identification that is about the size of a grain of rice and placed under your pet’s skin. Pets that are microchipped have a better chance of being reunited with their owners if they are lost.
Diet is such an important part of our pet's health, and yet it can be so challenging to find trustworthy, consistent information on pet nutrition. That's where Dogwood Trails Animal Hospital comes in!
We offer nutrition consultations during which we will provide individualized dietary recommendations tailored specifically to your pet, based on their age, weight, size and lifestyle.
For pets that are overweight, we formulate guided weight loss plans to facilitate the safe and successful loss of pounds. And for unique cases that require specialized instruction, we will coordinate consultations with nutrition specialists.
Do you have an itchy pet? If so, it could be due to allergies.
Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy) is an immune-mediated skin disease that is attributed to a hyperactive immune system that responds to inhaled allergens. Under this scenario, inhaled allergens (most often molds and plant pollens) trigger an "itch response" in your pet.
At our hospital, we can perform the appropriate diagnostic tests to diagnose your pet and rule out any other conditions.
Typically, the treatment of allergies will start with a strict diet trial to rule out any allergens that may be found in your pet's food.Treatment of atopy is a long-term commitment. The reward is in providing for a more comfortable pet and a better quality of life for both of you.
Preventive care offers your pet the best opportunity to live a long, healthy life. Our team will work with you to create a custom preventive care plan for your dog or cat, tailored to their unique requirements.
Phone: 479-385-2038
