What Happens During a Pet Health Check in Lewisham?

Quick Answer: During a pet health check, we examine your pet from nose to tail, discuss their eating, behaviour, weight, exercise and any concerns you may have, and recommend any preventive care or further tests if needed. Health checks help us spot problems early and keep pets in Lewisham and South East London well.

Introduction

A routine health check is one of the simplest and most useful ways to look after your pet’s long-term wellbeing. Many local pet owners in Lewisham ask us what actually happens during a consultation and whether they should book one if their pet seems fine. In most cases, the answer is yes. Regular check-ups give us a chance to assess your pet’s overall health, answer your questions and identify small changes before they become bigger concerns.

At Animal Clinic Vets, we regularly help pet owners across Lewisham, Shooters Hill, Charlton, Kidbrooke, Eltham and South East London with preventive care for dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets. If you are looking to arrange a routine appointment, our pet health checks page explains how we can help.

What happens during a pet health check?

A health check is a thorough but straightforward consultation. We tailor each appointment to your pet’s age, species, breed and medical history, but most checks include a similar overall approach.

Talking through your pet’s routine

We start by asking how your pet has been at home. This often includes:

• Appetite and drinking habits
• Energy levels and behaviour
• Exercise and mobility
• Toilet habits
• Skin, coat and grooming changes
• Any vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing or sneezing
• Any lumps, bumps or signs of discomfort

Our veterinary team often advises owners to mention even small changes. Something that seems minor at home can still be useful information during a consultation.

A full physical examination

We then carry out a nose-to-tail examination. This usually includes checking:

• Eyes, ears and mouth
• Teeth and gums
• Skin and coat condition
• Heart and lungs
• Weight and body condition
• Joints and movement
• Abdomen
• Paws and claws
• Any lumps or sore areas

For rabbits and small pets, we also pay close attention to teeth, weight, coat quality and signs of stress or discomfort, as these pets can hide illness very well.

Weight and body condition checks

Weight changes can be one of the earliest signs that something is not quite right. We commonly see pets who appear well but have gradually gained or lost weight over time. During the consultation, we assess not just the number on the scales but also body condition, which means whether your pet is carrying too much or too little body fat.

If needed, we may recommend ongoing monitoring, dietary adjustments or support through our pet weight management advice.

Preventive care review

A health check is also a good time to review preventive healthcare. This may include:

• Vaccinations
• Flea control
• Worming
• Tick prevention
• Neutering advice
• Dental care
• Age-related checks for senior pets

In our experience supporting pets across Shooters Hill, Charlton and South East London, many problems can be reduced or picked up earlier through regular preventive care. You can also explore our pet vaccinations and flea, tick and worm treatment services if your pet is due for routine protection.

Advice tailored to your pet

Before the appointment ends, we explain what we found, whether we have any concerns, and what the next steps may be. Sometimes that is simply to continue with your current routine. In other cases, we may suggest monitoring something at home, arranging a follow-up, or considering tests if there are signs that need further investigation.

If you are new to the area, you can also register your pet with Animal Clinic Vets so we can support your pet’s care going forward.

Why regular health checks matter

Pets cannot tell us when something feels different, and many health issues develop gradually. A routine consultation gives us the opportunity to build up a fuller picture of your pet’s health over time.

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps local pet owners by identifying:

• Dental disease before it becomes painful
• Weight gain before it affects mobility
• Skin issues before they become persistent
• Arthritis signs in older pets
• Digestive changes that may need monitoring
• Lumps that should be assessed

We also commonly see younger pets for routine checks before vaccines, neutering or as part of settling into a new home. If your pet needs broader support, our preventive healthcare plans can help spread the cost of ongoing routine care.

What We Commonly See at Animal Clinic Vets

One of the most common concerns we hear is, “My pet seems normal, so do they really need a check-up?” In many cases, yes. Pets often adapt well and may not show obvious signs in the early stages of illness or discomfort.

Many local pet owners in Shooters Hill ask us whether bad breath is normal in dogs and cats. A common misunderstanding is that it is just part of pet ownership. In reality, persistent bad breath often suggests dental disease, which can cause pain even when pets continue eating normally. Our pet dental care service is often recommended when we spot early signs during a health check.

We regularly help pet owners across Charlton, Kidbrooke and Eltham who are unsure whether a lump needs attention. Not every lump is serious, but any new lump, change in size, or sore area should be checked by a vet.

We also commonly see:

• Cats in Lewisham losing weight gradually despite still eating
• Dogs in South East London gaining weight because treats and portion sizes have crept up
• Rabbits with overgrown teeth or subtle digestive changes
• Older pets showing mild stiffness that owners initially thought was “just slowing down”
• Itchy skin linked to parasites, allergies or infection

At Animal Clinic Vets, we regularly help owners work through these concerns in a practical, calm and supportive way. If you have noticed a change but are not sure whether it matters, it is sensible to speak to our veterinary team.

Practical Advice

To get the most from your pet’s health check, it helps to come prepared. A few simple steps can make the consultation more useful.

Before your appointment

• Make a note of any changes in appetite, drinking, behaviour or toilet habits
• Bring details of any medication or supplements
• If possible, know what food your pet eats and roughly how much
• For rabbits and small pets, bring information about housing, companionship and diet
• Take photos of any issue that comes and goes, such as limping, skin irritation or unusual stools

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for a small issue to become more obvious
• Assuming slowing down is always just age
• Overlooking dental health if your pet is still eating
• Forgetting to mention changes because they seem minor
• Using old or unverified advice from the internet instead of seeking veterinary guidance

If your pet is due a routine review, you can book an appointment at a convenient time.

When To Contact A Vet

Routine health checks are important, but some symptoms should be assessed sooner rather than later. Contact a vet if your pet has:

• Not been eating or is eating much less than usual
• Vomiting or diarrhoea that is ongoing or frequent
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• A new lump or a lump that is changing
• Persistent itching, hair loss or skin soreness
• Bad breath, drooling or difficulty eating
• Stiffness, limping or reluctance to exercise
• Changes in thirst or urination
• Ongoing coughing or breathing changes

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately.

If you are based in Lewisham or nearby areas such as Blackheath, Woolwich, Greenwich or Lee, our Animal Clinic Vets contact page has details on how to reach us.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my pet have a health check?

Most pets benefit from at least an annual check. Puppies, kittens, senior pets and pets with ongoing health conditions may need reviews more often. Our veterinary team can advise what is appropriate for your pet.

Do indoor cats still need routine check-ups?

Yes. Indoor cats can still develop dental disease, weight problems, arthritis, skin conditions and other health issues. Routine checks remain important even if they do not go outside.

What if my pet seems healthy?

That is often the best time for a check-up. Preventive appointments help us monitor your pet over time and pick up subtle changes early.

Are rabbit health checks different from dog and cat checks?

Yes, slightly. We pay particular attention to teeth, diet, droppings, weight, coat condition and behaviour, as rabbits often hide signs of illness until they are more advanced.

Can I ask about behaviour, diet or parasite prevention during the appointment?

Absolutely. A consultation is the right place to discuss everyday care as well as medical concerns. We are always happy to advise on feeding, behaviour, parasite protection and general wellbeing.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Final CTA

If your pet is due a routine check-up, we are here to help. At Animal Clinic Vets, we support local pet owners across Lewisham, Shooters Hill, Charlton, Kidbrooke, Eltham and South East London with friendly, practical veterinary care. You can book an appointment, register your pet, explore our health checks, or contact our veterinary team to arrange a visit.