Knowing a little bit about what to expect on your pet's visit to the vet will help both you and your pet have an easier visit. Our pet's often sense our emotional states and mirror them in their own behavior. So, if you're apprehensive about going to the vet, chances are your pet will be too!

Taking your pet in for a yearly well pet exam and vaccinations is a lot like going in for your own yearly wellness physical. . This is a good time for the doctor to take a really close look at your pet and get a good healthy baseline profile of your pet, just in case an illness appears within the coming year.

Your veterinarian will make written notes on a medical chart, just like your doctor. Medical history is as important in treating animals as it is in treating humans. In today's advanced medical offices, the handwritten data will later be entered into a computer, making it easier for the vet's office staff to send you yearly reminders for vaccines,etc. In some offices, the doctor or an assistant may enter the information directly into a computer terminal.

During a thorough general physical exam, your veterinarian will be touching your pet, feeling your pet's body and observing any visual signs of health or potential problem areas. The vet will evaluate your entire pet, including (but not limited to):

• Eyes
• Ears
• Abdominal activity
• Heart rate
• Lung function
• Pulse
• Teeth and gums
• Feet, pads, and toe nails
• Temperature

If your pet is being seen for a particular reason, your vet will focus more time on that area; but as a general rule, a thorough exam will entail your pet being evaluated from head to toe.

A comprehensive physical exam performed by your veterinarian can detect minor abnormalities before they become serious problems as well as identify major organ dysfunction without extensive and expensive tests.

Once the physical evaluation is complete, you vet may ask you about any behavioral issues and give you a chance to ask any questions. If this is your first visit to the vet, ask about emergency care procedures and alternative emergency phone numbers.