“My pet seems healthy. Why do I need to bring them in for a routine wellness examination?” This is a question we hear a lot at San Marco Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Our veterinarians and staff want pet parents to understand the importance of these annual screenings and physical examinations and how they can reduce the risk of health problems in both cats and dogs. In fact, many conditions that are spotted early on can be managed or treated with prompt intervention. Preventive care is essential in ensuring the longevity of your pet.
You are not alone in wondering about the importance of these visits for your cat or dog. But pet parents must take a proactive approach to ensure their pets remain healthy for years to come. Just as we should be going for our annual physical examination for a full evaluation of the status of our health, pets should do the same. Even if your pet seems healthy, there are times when hidden issues can be caught by testing feces or blood samples. With early detection, many of these problems can be addressed with the help of our veterinary staff before they become a lot more serious. Many pets hide signs of illness and disease as they cannot communicate with their owners the same way a child can.
During these annual evaluations, pets are not only physically examined but may need certain vaccinations to ward off preventable conditions. This is especially true for vaccinations for highly contagious diseases such as kennel cough if they spend time with other pets in facilities such as doggy daycares.
Call 904-399-5557 to request an appointment with our veterinarians and staff and get your pet in for their annual pet examination. We are conveniently located in Jacksonville, Florida, at 1546 San Marco Boulevard and accept new furry family members at our facility!