What Occurs During a Dog Health Screening

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A dog health screening is a critical part of preventive veterinary care. It is important that all dogs receive regular physical exams so any potential issues can be identified and managed early, if possible. A comprehensive health screening may include assessments of vital signs such as the heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, weight, hydration status, body condition score and gum color to evaluate overall general health. Furthermore, auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) to assess the heart and lungs and palpation (feeling with hands) of the abdomen to evaluate for organ enlargement or tenderness may be performed.

During a physical exam for a canine companion, vision may also be checked by having the dog’s eyes dilated through eye drops and examined more thoroughly with an ophthalmoscope. Depending on certain risk factors like breed or age, more specialized test may be performed as well. These could include tests looking at blood values in order to monitor things such as organ function or evaluating thyroid levels which can signal underlying disorders not visibly apparent on exam. In some cases screenings may even involve x-rays to assess chest or abdominal content abnormalities or fractures/arthritis changes.

It is always important to bring any recent changes in your pup’s behavior that are concerning you up at your visit so it can be addressed during their visit. At the time of your pet’s examination they should also receive their vaccinations per their life stage protocol and inquire about flea/tick preventatives as well as database microchipping if its identified your pet needs this service during your course of care at our practice before leaving!