Proactive pet wellness, including a pet wellness exam, is an essential part of responsible pet care. At Pet Medical Center in Ames, IA, we offer the preventative care your pet needs to stay happy and healthy.

What Is Proactive Wellness?

Proactive wellness means taking charge of your pet's health before serious medical issues arise. The goal is to take a holistic approach to your pet's care, which means that all aspects of their health are considered. It includes wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, health screenings, dental checks, and even feeding recommendations.

Preventative care is an important part of proactive wellness that allows you to work with your vet to prevent your pet from getting common illnesses. 

What Is Included in Preventive Care for Your Pet?

Wellness Exams

Most pets should have a pet wellness exam once a year. Puppies and kittens will need more frequent appointments, and senior pets should see the vet every six months.

One part of a wellness exam is a physical examination. Your vet will check your pet's teeth, coat, joints, eyes, and more for any signs of diseases or infections.

Early Detection Screenings

Your vet may perform routine bloodwork and urinalysis to make sure your pet is healthy. They may want a stool sample to check your pet for parasites as well. These tests are important because they allow your veterinarian to detect any health issues early when they are most treatable.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are what most pet owners think of when they hear preventative vet care. Vaccinations prevent your pet from catching common dangerous diseases, including rabies, parvo, and distemper.

Parasite Prevention

Parasite prevention is another aspect of preventive pet care. This includes heartworm prevention. Heartworms are often deadly, particularly if they aren't caught and treated early. Flea and tick prevention is important as well. Fleas may seem like an inconvenience, but they can irritate your pet's skin. Ticks can carry diseases that can make your pet ill. Intestinal parasites pose less of a risk but can still affect your pet's health.

Nutritional and Exercise Guidance

Your vet will also discuss your pet's diet and exercise as a part of a proactive health plan. Just like humans, a healthy diet and getting plenty of activity are essential for optimal health. Along with this, your vet will discuss your pet's ideal weight. They may recommend changes to your pet's diet, particularly if they are overweight or have a nutritional deficiency.

They may also suggest that you exercise your pet regularly. However, it's important that your pet's species, breed, and age are considered when developing an exercise plan. Your vet will explain how much activity your pet should be getting each day or week and what type of exercise is appropriate for them.

Affordable Veterinarian Near Me in Ames, IA

If you are searching for an affordable veterinarian for a comprehensive pet wellness exam in Ames, IA, contact us at Pet Medical Center. We offer a range of services, including vaccinations, wellness exams, screenings for common health issues, and parasite prevention. We also offer illness and emergency care to meet all your pet care needs. You can reach us by calling (515) 232-7204. You can also use our convenient contact form.