Health Checks at Ivy Lodge Vets
At Ivy Lodge Vets, based in Greater Romford and Brentwood, regular health checks are a vital part of ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy. Routine veterinary examinations allow us to monitor your pet’s overall health, catch potential issues early, and offer advice on how to maintain their well-being throughout every stage of life. Prevention and early detection are key in managing your pet’s health, and our dedicated team is here to help.
What Happens During a Health Check?
During a health check, one of our experienced veterinary surgeons will conduct a comprehensive physical examination of your pet. This involves looking for any signs of illness or discomfort that may not be immediately noticeable to you at home.
Key Aspects of Our Health Checks Include:
- Weight and Body Condition: We monitor your pet’s weight and body condition, ensuring they maintain a healthy weight and providing tailored nutritional advice if necessary.
- Dental Examination: A thorough check of your pet’s teeth and gums, identifying signs of dental disease, tartar build-up, or bad breath which could indicate deeper issues.
- Eyes and Ears Check: Assessing the eyes and ears for signs of infection, inflammation, or abnormalities.
- Heart and Lung Function: Listening to your pet’s heart and lungs to detect any irregularities in heartbeat, breathing, or potential respiratory problems.
- Skin and Coat Health: We look for signs of skin conditions, parasites such as fleas or ticks, and general coat condition to ensure your pet is parasite-free and has healthy skin.
- Mobility and Joint Check: Monitoring your pet’s movement and flexibility to identify early signs of arthritis, joint pain, or other mobility issues, especially important as pets age.
Tailored Health Checks for All Life Stages
At Ivy Lodge Vets, we understand that every pet is unique, and their healthcare needs change as they grow. That’s why we offer tailored health checks for pets at different life stages, ensuring we provide the right care at the right time.
Puppies and Kittens:
Young pets require more frequent check-ups to ensure they are growing and developing correctly. We will assess their development, administer vaccinations, discuss parasite prevention, and offer advice on nutrition and training.
Adult Pets:
For adult pets, annual or bi-annual health checks help us keep track of their overall health and spot any potential problems before they become serious. We will review their vaccination status, parasite control, dental health, and provide lifestyle and dietary advice.
Senior Pets:
As pets age, their needs change, and they may become more prone to developing certain conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, or diabetes. Senior health checks are designed to catch age-related illnesses early and manage them effectively, allowing your pet to enjoy their golden years comfortably.
Vaccinations and Boosters
Vaccinations are an important aspect of preventative healthcare and should be kept up-to-date to protect your pet from common but serious diseases. During your pet’s health check, we will review their vaccination history and provide any necessary boosters to keep them protected.
Common Vaccinations Include:
- Dogs: Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough
- Cats: Feline Leukaemia, Calicivirus, Herpesvirus, Panleukopenia
- Rabbits: Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD)
Parasite Control
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms can cause significant discomfort and health problems for your pet. During a health check, we will assess your pet for any signs of parasites and provide guidance on effective, ongoing parasite prevention treatments.
Parasite Prevention Options Include:
- Flea and Tick Treatments: Monthly treatments to prevent infestations
- Worming Treatments: Protection against roundworms, tapeworms, and lungworms
- Seasonal Adjustments: Tailored plans for parasite control based on the time of year and your pet’s lifestyle
Blood Tests and Diagnostic Screenings
In some cases, we may recommend blood tests or other diagnostic screenings to get a clearer picture of your pet’s internal health. These tests can help us detect underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver issues before they cause noticeable symptoms.
Diagnostic Screenings Include:
- Blood Tests: To check for infections, organ function, and overall health
- Urine Analysis: Assessing kidney and bladder health
- X-Rays and Ultrasound: For more detailed examinations of internal organs, bones, and tissues
Nutritional and Weight Management Advice
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your pet’s overall health and longevity. During a health check, we will assess your pet’s weight and provide guidance on nutrition, portion control, and exercise to keep them in peak condition.
Our Nutritional Services Include:
- Weight Monitoring: Regular weigh-ins to track your pet’s progress
- Dietary Consultations: Tailored nutrition plans based on your pet’s breed, age, and health status
- Specialist Diets: Advice on managing conditions like obesity, diabetes, or allergies through diet
The Benefits of Regular Health Checks
- Early Detection of Issues: Spotting problems early can lead to more effective treatments and better outcomes.
- Tailored Care: Regular check-ups allow us to provide personalised care and advice based on your pet’s specific needs.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your pet is in good health brings peace of mind, knowing they are receiving the best care possible.
Why Choose Ivy Lodge Vets for Health Checks?
Conveniently located in Greater Romford and Brentwood, Ivy Lodge Vets is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for your pets. Our health checks are designed to keep your pets healthy and happy throughout their lives, with our experienced team offering expert advice and support every step of the way.
Book Your Pet’s Health Check Today!
Don’t wait for signs of illness to appear – book your pet’s health check today and ensure they remain in good health. Contact us at Ivy Lodge Vets to schedule an appointment or to find out more about our preventative healthcare services.