Wellness Exams for Pets in La Crosse
Although we all wish pets lived as long as people do, they age about seven times faster. To help your pet live an enjoyable, healthy life, the team at La Crosse Veterinary Clinic recommends that you bring them in for an annual pet wellness exam. For senior pets, we suggest bi-annual exams to accommodate the changes that come with age. These visits enable our veterinarians determine if there are any health issues that need to be treated.
About the Wellness Exam
During your pet’s comprehensive wellness exam, we examine them from nose to tail, including all of their major body systems. We also check their weight, update any necessary vaccinations, and discuss parasite prevention. If we detect any abnormalities, we may recommend further diagnostics or lab testing (blood test, fecal exam, x-rays, or urinalysis).
Dog Wellness Care
One of the best ways to ensure your dog lives a happy, healthy life is by staying up-to-date with their visits to our clinic. For a detailed health maintenance schedule for your furry friend, which includes preventative schedules, please refer to our Canine Lifetime of Wellness handout. To find the answer to some common canine questions, please read our Commonly Asked Questions handout.
Cat Wellness Care
Even if your cat is an indoor pet that never goes outside, they still to receive a wellness exam and vaccinations at least once a year. For a detailed vaccine and health maintenance schedule for your feline companion, which includes preventative schedules, please refer to our Lifetime of Wellness-Feline handout. To find the answer to some common feline questions, please read our Commonly Asked Questions handout.
Common Signs of Health Concerns
The wellness exam is also the time when we discuss your pet’s behavioral history. No one knows your pet better than you do, so if you notice any unusual changes in their behavior or appearance, please let us know. Some of the most common signs that may indicate a health concern include:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Weight gain/loss
- Vomiting
- Hair loss, scratching, or excessive licking
- Difficulty breathing
- Aggressive behavior
- Changes in urination/defecation habits
- Pain, lameness, or stiffness
- Difficulty moving
- Changes in food/water consumption
- Less social/active than usual
Pet Obesity
Obesity is one of the most common issues seen in pets. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), more than half of all dogs and cats are obese. Left untreated, obesity can affect the internal organs, cause diabetes, and lead to a shortened lifespan. If you are unsure whether or not your pet is at a healthy weight, or if you have questions about their diet and exercise level, refer to our Calorie Counts handout.
Dog and Cat Vaccinations
Vaccinations protect pets from various potentially-fatal diseases, so they are a critical part to your pet’s wellness care. Just as with human vaccines, dog and cat vaccines contain a small amount of disease-causing antigens. Once these antigens enter your pet’s body, antibodies are produced to fight them. This leads to immunity from the disease, so if your pet is ever exposed to the real disease, the vaccine will protect them. Below are the core vaccines that we recommend for dogs and cats:
- Rabies
- Canine Distemper Combination, which protects against:
- Canine Distemper
- Adenovirus Type 2
- Leptospirosis (4 types)
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Lyme Disease
- Bordetella (kennel cough or infectious tracheal bronchitis)
For a detailed vaccine schedule, refer to our Canine Vaccines handout.
- Rabies
- Feline Distemper Combination, which protects against:
- Feline Distemper/Panleukopenia
- Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
- Feline Leukemia
For a detailed vaccine schedule, refer to our Feline Vaccines handout.
