How we stay ahead of problems to keep your pets healthy with complete nose-to-tail services, wellness “checks”

As a comprehensive provider of health care services for dogs and cats, Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf naturally treats many sick pets. We know that sometimes accidents can’t be helped. Injuries arise. Even with the best intentions and care, your pet can still get sick. However, our Jacksonville, Florida, team can protect against or delay the onset of many diseases. 

With a focus on wellness programs anchored by comprehensive exams, our primary veterinarian, Dr. James Gillen, both prevents disease and detects problems early before they result in damage to your pet’s organs and systems that dramatically affect their quality of life and require aggressive and potentially costly treatment. 

Just like with human members of your household, your pet should have an annual “physical” or wellness visit once a year. This is a minimum requirement. Pets with existing disease or those of a certain age should visit us more frequently. Here again, the same thinking that may apply to the people of your household should apply to the animal members of your family. 

There is a significant distinction, however, in that our pets can’t articulate to us how they feel in words. And, you can’t always rely on body language or other non-verbals, as many pets are notoriously stoic. These truths only underscore the need for us to regularly examine your pet for potential problems that might otherwise go unnoticed and untreated. 

Generally, these visits are an opportunity to evaluate your pet’s complete “system,” including: 

• Oral health – We will check for problems like tooth decay and gum disease. A good teeth cleaning also helps to abate “doggie breath” and minimizes the oral and overall health risks presented by damage to the teeth, gums, and supportive tissues. We can also advise on products and techniques to clean dogs’ and cats’ teeth, as well as tooth-friendly nutrition, treats, and toys
• Eyesight and ear function – Vision or hearing problems can manifest in various ways, from a droopy head to an unstable or changing gait. Additionally, these problems can be signs of other underlying conditions that require prompt treatment, such as hypertension and diabetes
• Body condition – Your pet’s muscles, lymph nodes, skin, and fur can tell us a great deal about their general health. We will also be on the lookout for strange lumps, bumps, and painful responses when touching or evaluating the joints, spine, or under-the-tail area
• Additional testing – As a true, full-service animal hospital, we have a full range of onsite diagnostic capabilities. These technologies allow us to make the most informed conclusions about your pet’s health and diagnosis, which can then be used to develop treatment recommendations that effectively resolve symptoms and the underlying problem responsible for those distressing symptoms. Depending on your pet’s needs at a given time, Dr. Gillen may order blood work, urine and stool tests, digital X-rays, and ultrasound scans
• Prevention – Preventive products and services go hand-in-hand with a solid wellness program. Vaccines, preventives, deworming, microchipping, and guidance on everything from nutrition and grooming to exercise and behavioral issues address the whole health needs of your pet. They represent a protective mindset that maintains health and well-being rather than treat conditions after they have caused damage

Let’s stay ahead of problems rather than play “catch-up”! Call (904) 560 8006 to schedule your pet’s wellness check-up today. 

Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf is also pleased to offer affordable in-house wellness plans for puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats to make it as easy as possible to stay on top of these regular and essential visits.