What Happens During a Pet Health Check in Lewisham?

For many pet owners in Lewisham, Shooters Hill, Charlton, Kidbrooke and Eltham, bringing a dog, cat or small pet to the vet for a routine health check can come with a few questions. What exactly happens during the appointment? What will we look for? And how often should your pet come in?

At Animal Clinic Vets, routine pet health checks are an important part of keeping your pet well. These appointments are not just for pets who are unwell. They help us monitor your pet’s general health, spot early signs of problems, and give you practical advice on preventative care, behaviour, weight, diet and lifestyle.

If you are looking for more information about our Health Checks, this guide explains what local pet owners can usually expect during a visit.

Why regular pet health checks matter

Pets are very good at hiding discomfort, especially cats and small animals. In many cases, signs of illness can be subtle at first. A regular check-up gives us the chance to identify changes early, often before they become more serious.

Routine checks are useful for:

• Monitoring your pet’s weight and body condition
• Checking teeth, skin, ears, eyes and coat condition
• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Feeling the body for lumps, swelling or discomfort
• Reviewing parasite prevention, vaccinations and general wellbeing
• Discussing behaviour, mobility and any changes at home

Whether you have a lively puppy in Charlton, an older cat in Kidbrooke or a rabbit in Eltham, regular health checks are one of the best ways to support long-term wellbeing.

What happens when you arrive for the appointment?

When you come in for your pet’s consultation, we aim to make the visit as calm and reassuring as possible. Our team understands that some pets can be nervous at the vets, and many owners feel a little anxious too. We will guide you through the appointment step by step.

First, we may ask a few questions about your pet’s daily routine, including:

• Eating and drinking habits
• Toileting
• Energy levels and exercise
• Behaviour changes
• Any scratching, licking, coughing or sneezing
• Any concerns you have noticed at home

These details are very helpful, because small changes in routine can sometimes be the first clue that something is not quite right.

What does a pet health check include?

A routine health check is a nose-to-tail examination. This means we assess your pet all over, rather than only focusing on one area.

Weight and body condition

We often begin by checking your pet’s weight. Weight changes can tell us a great deal about health. Gradual weight gain may increase the risk of problems such as joint strain, diabetes or heart issues, while weight loss can sometimes be an early sign of illness.

We also assess body condition, which means looking at whether your pet is a healthy shape for their breed, age and lifestyle. If needed, we can give gentle advice on diet and feeding. You can also learn more about our approach to preventative healthcare on our website.

Eyes, ears and mouth

Next, we usually check the eyes, ears and mouth. We look for signs such as redness, discharge, irritation, unusual smells, wax build-up or dental disease.

Dental problems are very common in pets, particularly as they get older. Bad breath, difficulty eating, dropping food or pawing at the mouth may suggest discomfort. Routine checks can help us spot these issues early.

Heart and lungs

Using a stethoscope, we listen to your pet’s heart and breathing. This helps us check for normal heart rhythm, lung sounds and any changes that may need monitoring or further investigation.

In some pets, especially older animals, a routine consultation may be the first time a heart murmur is noticed. A murmur is an unusual sound heard between heartbeats. It does not always mean there is a serious problem, but it is something we may want to monitor more closely.

Skin, coat and lumps

We examine the skin and coat for dryness, irritation, parasites, hair loss, wounds or signs of allergies. We also gently feel over the body for lumps and bumps.

Not every lump is serious, but any new lump should be assessed by a vet. Changes in size, shape or texture can be important.

Joints and movement

If your pet is slowing down, struggling with stairs, hesitating before jumping or seeming stiff after rest, we may assess movement and joints during the health check. Older dogs, cats and rabbits can all develop mobility issues, and early support can make a real difference to comfort.

Abdomen and overall comfort

We gently feel your pet’s abdomen to check for pain, swelling or anything unusual. This can help us assess whether the internal organs feel normal from the outside and whether your pet seems comfortable when handled.

Health checks for different types of pets

Dogs

For dogs, health checks often include discussion around exercise, weight, parasite protection, dental care and behaviour. Puppies may need extra support with socialisation, feeding and growth, while older dogs may benefit from more regular monitoring.

If you have recently welcomed a young dog into the family, you may also find our free puppy and kitten health checks helpful.

Cats

Cats can be particularly skilled at hiding signs of illness, so regular check-ups are especially valuable. We may talk about appetite, litter tray habits, grooming, weight changes and behaviour. For nervous feline visitors, we work hard to keep the experience as low-stress as possible, and you can read more about our Cat Friendly Clinic approach.

Rabbits and small pets

Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets also need regular health checks. We assess teeth, weight, coat condition, mobility, droppings and eating behaviour. With rabbits in particular, subtle changes can become urgent quickly, so early advice is very important.

How often should pets have a health check?

Many pets benefit from at least an annual check-up, but some may need to be seen more often. Very young pets, senior pets, animals with ongoing health conditions and some brachycephalic breeds may require more regular monitoring.

We may recommend more frequent visits if your pet:

• Is a puppy, kitten or young rabbit
• Is entering their senior years
• Has a long-term health condition
• Is taking regular medication
• Has had recent changes in appetite, weight or behaviour
• Needs closer monitoring for teeth, skin, ears or mobility

If you are unsure how often your pet should be seen, our team can advise you based on their age, species and individual needs.

What should you bring or tell us?

To make the most of your consultation, it helps to bring along any useful information or observations from home. Even details that seem minor can be helpful.

• A note of any symptoms or behaviour changes
• Details of current food or treats
• Information about medication or supplements
• Photos or videos of unusual behaviour, if relevant
• A fresh urine sample if we have asked for one

If your pet has seen another vet recently or you are new to the area, you can also register your pet with us online.

When should you book sooner rather than wait for a routine health check?

Routine appointments are ideal for preventative care, but some signs mean your pet should be seen sooner.

Please contact a vet if your pet has:

• Sudden vomiting or diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of appetite lasting more than a day, or sooner in rabbits and small pets
• Sudden lethargy or collapse
• Pain, crying out or signs of distress
• Difficulty passing urine
• Seizures
• A wound, bleeding or possible injury

If you need urgent help, please use our emergency veterinary care information.

Supporting preventative care in Lewisham

Routine health checks work best as part of a wider preventative care plan. This may include vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, dental advice, weight management and age-related monitoring.

Some owners find it helpful to spread the cost of ongoing care through one of our health plans. You can read more about our VIP Health Plan, including options for dogs, cats and rabbits.

For many local families in Lewisham and surrounding areas, regular check-ups offer peace of mind as well as practical support. They are a chance to ask questions, raise concerns and make sure your pet is staying on the right track.

Booking your pet’s health check

If your pet is due a routine examination, or if you have noticed a change that you would like us to assess, we are here to help. You can book an appointment online or explore our full range of veterinary services.

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your vet for professional advice.

At Animal Clinic Vets, we are proud to support pet owners across Lewisham, Shooters Hill, Charlton, Kidbrooke and Eltham with friendly, professional care. If you would like to arrange a health check or speak to our team, please get in touch via our contact and location information.