What to Expect During Your Pet’s First Vet Exam at Lodi Animal Hospital
Bringing your dog or cat to a new veterinarian for the first time can feel like a big step. You may have questions about what happens during the appointment, what information the veterinarian will need, and whether your pet needs vaccinations, testing, or other care.
At Lodi Animal Hospital, the first visit is an opportunity to establish a baseline for your pet’s health and give your veterinary team a better understanding of their individual needs. Lodi Animal Hospital provides veterinary care for dogs and cats, including examinations, vaccinations, dental care, laboratory testing, radiology, surgery, grooming, and dietary planning.
If you are a new client, here is what you can expect before, during, and after your pet’s first exam.
Why Is a First Veterinary Exam Important?
A veterinary exam is more than checking whether your pet appears healthy.
Dogs and cats can sometimes hide signs of illness or discomfort. A physical examination gives the veterinarian an opportunity to look for changes that may not be obvious at home.
Lodi Animal Hospital recommends regular examinations to help identify medical problems early. The hospital notes that routine care should begin when pets are young and continue throughout their lives, including their senior years.
A first exam can also help establish a health baseline. Future visits can then be compared with previous findings, making it easier to notice changes over time.
What Happens During a Pet’s First Exam?
Every appointment is different because every pet has different needs. However, a typical veterinary examination may include a discussion about your pet's health history followed by a physical assessment.
Your veterinarian may want to learn about:
Your pet's age and breed
Previous medical conditions
Current medications or supplements
Vaccination history
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Eating and drinking habits
Activity level
Any recent changes in behavior
Previous surgeries or treatments
Any symptoms or concerns you have noticed
These details can help the veterinarian understand your pet's overall health and determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
Your Pet’s Medical History Matters
If you have recently adopted or moved with your pet, you may not have every medical record available. Don't worry. Bring whatever information you have.
Lodi Animal Hospital's patient history form asks owners about existing medical problems, allergies, medications, parasite prevention, diet, activity, appetite, water intake, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, stool changes, urination, and other health concerns.
Before the appointment, it can be helpful to make a short list of anything unusual you have noticed.
For example:
“My dog has been drinking more water recently.”
or
“My cat has been hiding more than usual.”
Small changes can be useful information for your veterinarian.
What Should You Bring to Your Pet’s First Appointment?
A little preparation can make the visit easier.
Consider bringing:
Medical Records
If your pet has visited another veterinarian, bring available vaccination and medical records.
Medication Information
Make a list of prescription medications, supplements, flea and tick products, and other preventatives your pet currently receives.
Questions
Write down your questions before the appointment so you don't forget them during the visit.
Your Pet’s Diet Information
Knowing what your pet eats, including the type and brand of food, can help your veterinarian understand their nutritional routine.
Relevant Photos or Videos
If your pet has experienced an unusual behavior or symptom that is not happening during the appointment, a short video or photo may provide useful context.
What About Vaccinations?
Vaccinations are an important part of preventive veterinary care, but the appropriate vaccination plan can vary from one pet to another.
Factors such as age, lifestyle, previous vaccination history, and exposure risks can affect what your dog or cat needs.
Lodi Animal Hospital provides vaccinations and states that its veterinary team can discuss vaccination needs based on the lifestyle of the pet and owner.
If you are unsure whether your pet is up to date, bring the vaccination records you have available and discuss them with your veterinarian.
Should You Ask About Dental Care?
Yes.
Dental health is an important part of your pet's overall care. Problems with the teeth and gums can develop without obvious signs at home.
Lodi Animal Hospital provides pet dental services, including dental examinations and procedures such as cleaning, scaling, polishing, and tooth extraction when appropriate.
During your pet's first exam, you can ask the veterinarian whether your dog or cat needs a dental evaluation or additional dental care.
What If My Pet Is Older?
Older pets may have different healthcare needs than puppies, kittens, or young adult animals.
Changes in mobility, appetite, activity, weight, drinking habits, or behavior may deserve closer attention.
Lodi Animal Hospital provides senior pet care, including wellness examinations, arthritis management, and nutrition planning.
If you have recently adopted an older dog or cat, the first veterinary exam can be a useful opportunity to establish their current health status and discuss ongoing care.
What If My Pet Is Already Showing Symptoms?
Don't wait for a routine appointment if your pet is experiencing a potentially serious medical problem.
Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, seizures, serious trauma, suspected poisoning, or severe illness can require urgent veterinary attention. Lodi Animal Hospital provides emergency pet care and advises pet owners to seek prompt evaluation for serious symptoms.
If you're unsure whether a situation is an emergency, contact the veterinary team and explain what is happening.
For after-hours emergencies, Lodi Animal Hospital's website directs pet owners to All Creatures.
New to Lodi Animal Hospital? Here's How to Get Started
If you are bringing your pet to Lodi Animal Hospital for the first time, you can request an appointment through the hospital's online scheduling form.
The appointment form asks for your contact information, reason for the visit, preferred appointment date and time, and whether you are a new or existing client. The hospital notes that appointment requests are subject to availability and must be confirmed by the team.
The hospital currently lists regular hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A Special Offer for New Clients
If you're a new client bringing your dog or cat to Lodi Animal Hospital, the current promotional offer shown in the provided popup offers 50% off the first pet exam fee.
The offer applies to the exam fee only and does not apply to other services, treatments, medications, products, or additional charges.
Before scheduling, new clients should confirm the offer's current availability and terms with Lodi Animal Hospital.
Ready to schedule your pet's first exam? Call Lodi Animal Hospital at (209) 369-6601 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my pet have a veterinary examination?
The appropriate schedule depends on your pet's age, health, lifestyle, and individual needs. Lodi Animal Hospital states that it considers regular examinations important for early detection of medical problems and recommends ongoing care from the puppy or kitten stage through the senior years.
What should I bring to my pet's first vet visit?
Bring available medical and vaccination records, medication and preventive-care information, details about your pet's diet, and a list of questions or concerns you have.
Can I bring my dog or cat to Lodi Animal Hospital as a new patient?
Yes. Lodi Animal Hospital states that it is accepting new patients and provides veterinary care for dogs and cats.
Does Lodi Animal Hospital provide vaccinations?
Yes. Vaccination is one of the veterinary services offered by Lodi Animal Hospital. The appropriate vaccination plan can be discussed based on your pet's lifestyle and needs.
Does the 50% offer apply to other veterinary services?
No. Based on the promotional popup you provided, the 50% discount applies to the first pet exam fee only. It does not apply to other services, treatments, medications, products, or additional charges.
How do I schedule my pet's first exam?
You can call (209) 369-6601 or submit an appointment request through the Lodi Animal Hospital website. Appointment requests are subject to availability and confirmation by the hospital.
