Veterinary Exam

A veterinary exam is similar to a yearly doctor's checkup. These visits are necessary as your pet goes through many changes each year. Veterinary exams are a form of preventative medicine as they allow us to spot the signs of health problems early. To schedule a veterinary exam for your pet, contact us at 250-376-6797.

What happens during a veterinary exam?

Veterinary exams usually begin with a physical examination. Our veterinarian will check your pet's skin, paws, weight, eyesight, breathing and measure their growth. By doing this, we can determine if your pet is developing properly for their age and breed. In many instances, the physical exam can have telltale signs of an illness. We run bloodwork and perform imaging and urine tests to understand what's going on internally. We also ask questions about your pet's behaviour at home. The veterinarian will want to know their eating habits, how much exercise they have, and any new traits or development in your pet. Based on the results from our tests, we may prescribe medications or recommend changes to your pet's lifestyle.

How often should my pet have a veterinary exam?

We recommend that all pets have a veterinary exam each year. Our team may recommend more than one visit throughout the year based on your pet's age or health. Kittens and puppies need three veterinary exams each year. It's necessary to have these visits as they have weak immune systems and little immunity to diseases until they are vaccinated. In addition to this, veterinary exams allow us to evaluate your pet's growth. Senior pets need bi-annual veterinary checkups because their health deteriorates as they age. By having regular exams, we can detect health issues faster and monitor any condition they have.