Advanced Pet Care in Olathe & Overland Park, KS
Wellness Care
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Wellness Care for Pets in Olathe & Overland Park, KS
Your Partner in Wellness
At Bradford Pet Hospital, we recognize the significance of routine wellness care for dogs and cats alike. Since pets age much faster than humans and are masters at hiding signs of illness, their health can change dramatically between annual visits.
Our veterinarians prioritize annual physical exams to thoroughly assess your pet’s overall health. These exams allow for early detection of any potential problems. We also recommend regular parasite testing to catch threats like intestinal worms, heartworms, and tick-related diseases early, preventing them from causing serious health issues.
Why Routine Wellness Exams Matter
The routine physical exam is the most important appointment of the year. Unlike a quick glance, our veterinarians perform a thorough nose-to-tail assessment to look for changes your pet may be masking. During this visit, we focus on:
- Weight & Body Condition: Detecting subtle changes that could indicate early thyroid or metabolic issues.
- Dental Health: Checking for signs of pain, infection, or periodontal disease.
- Cardiopulmonary Function: Listening closely to the heart and lungs to detect murmurs or early respiratory distress.
- Musculoskeletal System: Checking joints and muscles for pain, stiffness, or signs of arthritis.
- Eyes, Ears, and Skin: Screening for allergies, infection, and masses.
Recommended annual pet wellness screenings
Annual Wellness Bloodwork & Diagnostics
Testing healthy pets is the key to early disease detection. These routine screenings help us uncover silent diseases, parasites, and infections that pose a risk to both your pet and your family.
Key Routine Tests We Recommend:
Heartworm & Tick-Borne Disease
- Checks for dangerous Heartworm Disease (transmitted by mosquitoes) and several common tick-borne diseases (Erlichia, Lyme, and Anaplasmosis)
- Testing yearly is required, even on preventatives, for early detection
Fecal Testing
- Screening for intestinal parasites (such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms)
- Many of these parasites can be easily transmissable to humans
- Recommended to protect both your pet’s digestive health and the health of your family
FIV & FeLV
- Screens for the serious Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV) and Leukemia (FeLV) viruses
- Essential for all kittens and adult cats with outdoor access or exposure to outdoor cats
- Early detection is vital for managing health and preventing spread
Annual Blood Panels
- Establishes a baseline to compare to as your pet ages
- Reveals internal problems like diabetes, infection or anemia
- Provides data on the liver and kidneys for early signs of disease
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccines
Why does my pet need bloodwork if they look perfectly healthy?
Pets are masters at hiding illness, and diseases like kidney failure, diabetes, or thyroid issues often develop silently. Bloodwork allows us to look inside and catch these problems early—often months before symptoms appear—making treatment much easier and more effective. It also sets a vital health baseline for your pet as they age.
Why do we test for Heartworm and tick diseases every year?
Annual testing is mandatory to receive prevention for two critical reasons:
- It verifies that the monthly or injectable preventative is working correctly!
- Our comprehensive test also screens for three common tick-borne diseases (Lyme, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia) that can severely impact your pet’s quality of life
Is the FIV/FeLV test necessary for my indoor cat?
Yes. Testing is essential for all kittens. While FeLV and FIV are spread through contact, even strictly indoor cats can be exposed through a brief escape or a new rescue pet. Testing is vital for protecting the health of the affected cat and preventing spread to any housemates.
What are we looking for in a routine fecal sample?
A fecal exam checks for common intestinal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and giardia. Screening is essential because many of these parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans, posing a health risk to your family.
Do I really need to use parasite preventatives year-round?
Yes, absolutely. While clients often think parasites disappear in cold weather, we strongly recommend year-round prevention for comprehensive protection because the risk never truly disappears.
- For Fleas and Ticks: Ticks become active any time the temperature rises above freezing (35°F). 2024 was the second-warmest year on record in Kansas, temperatures frequently rise well above this threshold even in the middle of winter. Fleas also thrive and reproduce indoors all winter long in your warm home.
- For Heartworms (Mosquitoes): Mosquitoes can survive or emerge indoors, even during the winter. Stopping preventatives leaves your pet vulnerable, and restarting could require a negative test to ensure safety.
How often does my senior pet need wellness care?
We recommend a full wellness exam for senior pets every six months. As pets age quickly, their risk for conditions like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney failure increases dramatically. More frequent exams and routine bloodwork allow us to track their health and begin managing age-related issues as early as possible, keeping them comfortable and active for longer.
Does my indoor-only cat need annual wellness exams and testing?
Yes. While indoor cats have lower exposure to external risks, they are still susceptible to internal conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and dental issues. Since cats hide illness better than dogs, the annual exam and preventative bloodwork are the best way to detect these diseases early, ensuring a long, happy life inside.
About Our Veterinary Care
Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Appointment Today
At Bradford Pet Hospital, we prioritize protecting your pet’s wellbeing all year long. We make it simple and effective to keep parasites at bay, strengthening the bond your pet shares with your family.
We offer convenient and effective options for heartworm prevention, including a long-lasting six-month injectable option and monthly oral preventatives. We also offer comprehensive flea and tick control solutions, such as Bravecto®, in chewable tablets or a convenient, yearly injectable for complete year-round protection.
Ready to get started? Schedule your pet’s annual wellness exam today!
