How Regular Physical Exams Can Detect Hidden Health Issues Early

As dog parents, we want what’s best for our four-legged friends. From healthy food to exercise, we do everything we can to ensure they are happy and healthy. But did you know that regular PGVs are one of the most essential parts of keeping your pet happy and healthy? Here at Bloor-Kipling Animal Clinic, we believe preventative care pays off in the long run. We recommend regular check-ups to catch any potential hidden health issues early on and keep the risk of serious complications minimal.

Why Regular Physical Exams Matter

Pets tend to disguise symptoms of pain or illness. They can’t voice when something doesn’t feel right, unlike humans. As patients in veterinary care, thorough routine physical exams allow your veterinarian to pick up on subtle differences that may signal underlying health status issues. Identification at an early stage allows for timely intervention, yielding better outcomes and lower treatment costs.

What Happens During a Physical Exam?

Here are some of the parameters checked by our trained veterinarians during an in-depth physical examination:

Weight and Body Condition: Changes in weight can indicate underlying issues. For example, a dog eating too little or too much can be a sign of thyroid problems, diabetes, or digestive issues.

Eyes, Ears, and Mouth: The eyes are examined for cloudiness, redness , or discharge that might be signs of infections or cataracts.

Ears are checked for infections, parasites, and allergies.

Oral health is examined for gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental issues.

Heart and Lungs: Your vet will use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal heart rhythms or to check for respiratory issues that might indicate cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions.

Skin and Coat: Skin and coat conditions can indicate allergies, infections, or even conditions like Cushing’s or hypothyroidism.

Muscles and Joints: Your vet will look for stiffness, swelling, or pain that may suggest arthritis or other musculoskeletal disorders.

Abdomen: A physical examination of the abdomen can reveal abnormalities of internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, or intestines.

Changes in behavior: Increased aggression, lethargy, or any other behavior change can be a sign of pain, stress, or a neurological problem.

Early Detection: The Key to Better Health Outcomes

Many chronic illnesses, including kidney disease, diabetes, or cancer, often start silently and with subtle symptoms. Regular physical exams can:

Stop problems before they grow.

Leave room for prevention, like diet or lifestyle changes.

Help establish a baseline to track your pet’s health over time.

Vaccinations and Preventive Care

Physical exams also keep your pet up-to-date on vaccinations and preventive care, keeping them safe from diseases like rabies, distemper, and heartworm. The above steps protect not only your pet but also the health of your home and our surrounding community.

How Often Should Your Pet See the Vet?

The frequency of exams depends on your pet’s age, breed, and health status:

For newborn puppies and kittens, the first few months require a trip to the vet every 3-4 weeks for vaccinations and to monitor their growth.

Adult Pets (1-7 years old): Usually should be seen annually.

Senior pets (7+ years) should have semi-annual exams to monitor for age-related conditions.

Partnering with You for Your Pet’s Health

As a responsible pet owner, you may want to be proactive about pet health. Our attentive and compassionate staff will get to know you, your questions, your worries , and what your medical plan for your pet might look like.

Schedule a visit before symptoms become apparent. Regular veterinary check-ups are the foundation for your furry companion’s long and healthy life. Schedule an appointment today, and let your furry companion experience the highest quality of health and wellness.