What Happens During a Pet Health Check in Crawley?
Quick Answer: During a pet health check, we review your pet’s weight, teeth, ears, eyes, skin, heart, breathing, movement and general wellbeing, while also discussing behaviour, diet, parasite control and any concerns you may have. At Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery, health checks help local pet owners spot problems early and support long-term preventative care.
Routine health checks are one of the most useful ways to keep pets well. Many local pet owners ask us what actually happens during a consultation and whether they should book one if their dog, cat, rabbit or small pet seems fine. In most cases, the answer is yes. A check-up is not only for unwell pets. It is also an opportunity to monitor your pet’s health, answer questions and make sensible plans for prevention.
At Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery, we support pet owners across Horsham and West Sussex every day, and a health check is often the best starting point for keeping pets comfortable and healthy at every life stage. If you are looking at your options for Health Checks and Clinics, this guide explains what to expect.
What a pet health check usually includes
A consultation is tailored to the individual pet, but most routine appointments follow a similar pattern. Our veterinary team often advises owners that a health check is a full conversation as well as a physical examination.
Talking through your concerns
We usually begin by asking how your pet has been at home. This may include:
- Appetite and drinking
- Toilet habits
- Energy levels
- Behaviour changes
- Mobility and exercise tolerance
- Itching, scratching or licking
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Coughing, sneezing or noisy breathing
Even small changes can be worth mentioning. In our experience supporting pets across Horsham and West Sussex, owners often notice subtle changes before anything obvious appears on examination.
A nose-to-tail physical examination
We then carry out a hands-on health check. This often includes looking at and feeling:
- Eyes, ears and nose
- Mouth and teeth
- Skin and coat
- Body condition and weight
- Heart rate and heart sounds
- Breathing and lung sounds
- Abdomen, including comfort and any obvious swelling
- Joints, muscles and general movement
- Paws and claws
For rabbits and small pets, we also pay close attention to teeth, weight, coat condition and signs of stress or discomfort, as prey animals can hide illness very well.
Weight, body condition and lifestyle advice
Weight checks are an important part of preventive care. A small change over time can affect joints, heart health and overall comfort. We commonly see pets that are bright and active but would still benefit from weight management or feeding advice. Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners make realistic adjustments without overcomplicating things.
If you want ongoing support with routine care, vaccinations and parasite prevention, you can also explore our VIP Health Plan and wider preventative healthcare options.
Why regular health checks matter
A routine consultation can pick up early signs of issues before they become more noticeable at home. That may include dental disease, skin problems, ear inflammation, weight gain, arthritis, heart murmurs or age-related changes.
At Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery we regularly help local pet owners who booked a simple check-up and were relieved to get clear advice early. Not every finding is serious, but early assessment often means more treatment options and better ongoing management.
Health checks are also useful for:
- Puppies and kittens settling into a new home
- Adult pets needing routine monitoring
- Senior pets showing mild age-related changes
- Rabbits and small pets that need regular weight and dental checks
- Pets with long-term conditions that need progress reviews
If you would like to arrange a routine consultation, you can book an appointment online at a suitable time.
What We Commonly See at Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery
This is often the part that reassures owners most. A health check is not expected to uncover dramatic problems. More often, we identify practical issues that can be addressed early.
At Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery we regularly help with:
- Mild dental tartar that owners had not noticed
- Gradual weight gain in otherwise lively pets
- Itchy skin linked to parasites, allergies or overgrooming
- Senior pets slowing down due to stiffness rather than “just old age”
- Ear irritation causing head shaking or rubbing
- Rabbits with subtle eating changes linked to dental discomfort
- Cats hiding signs of pain or illness until changes become more obvious
We also commonly see misconceptions such as:
- “My pet is eating, so they must be fine”
- “Bad breath is normal in older pets”
- “A slower walk is only due to age”
- “Indoor cats do not need routine checks”
- “Rabbits will clearly show when they are unwell”
Our local veterinary team often advises that pets can adapt very well to discomfort, so changes may be subtle. That is one reason routine checks are so worthwhile for local pet owners in Horsham and West Sussex.
Do consultations differ for dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets?
Yes. While the general aim is the same, the focus varies depending on species, breed, age and lifestyle.
Dogs
We often discuss exercise, weight, dental care, skin health, mobility and parasite control. Puppies may need advice on growth, behaviour and vaccination timing, while older dogs may benefit from closer monitoring for stiffness, lumps or changes in heart health.
Cats
Cats can be very subtle when unwell, so we pay close attention to weight, coat condition, hydration, behaviour and signs of pain or dental disease. Indoor and outdoor lifestyle, litter tray habits and appetite are all useful topics to discuss.
Rabbits
Rabbit checks often focus on teeth, digestion, diet, weight and mobility. Because rabbits can deteriorate quickly if they stop eating, even mild changes should be taken seriously.
Small pets
For guinea pigs, hamsters and other small pets, we assess condition, teeth where appropriate, skin, movement and husbandry. Home setup, bedding, diet and companionship can all affect health.
Practical advice before your appointment
To help you get the most from a consultation, it is useful to:
- Make a note of any recent changes, even if they seem minor
- Bring details of current food, treats and supplements
- Take photos or videos of anything that happens at home, such as limping or coughing
- Bring a fresh urine sample if we have asked for one
- Transport cats and small pets securely and calmly
If your pet is new to the area, you can register your pet with our practice before arranging a visit. Many owners also like to review our prices in advance so they know what to expect.
Common mistakes pet owners make
Most mistakes come from good intentions, not neglect. We commonly see owners wait longer than necessary because a pet still seems bright, is still eating, or has good and bad days. Another common issue is assuming an online answer applies to every pet.
Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps local pet owners work through concerns in a practical way. If something has changed and you are unsure whether it matters, it is often sensible to speak to a professional rather than wait and worry. You can also see the full range of veterinary services we offer if your pet may need follow-up care.
When to contact a vet
A routine health check is suitable for general monitoring, but some symptoms should be assessed more promptly.
Please seek veterinary advice if your pet has:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that is severe, repeated or not settling
- Marked changes in appetite or thirst
- Limping, stiffness or reluctance to move
- Ongoing itching, head shaking or skin sores
- Weight loss or weight gain without explanation
- Bad breath, drooling or difficulty eating
- Changes in breathing, coughing or unusual tiredness
- Lumps, swellings or wounds
- Changes in behaviour, hiding or signs of pain
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 urgent help is needed, please use our emergency 24-hour vetcare information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a pet health check take?
Most routine consultations are fairly straightforward, but timing can vary depending on your pet’s needs and how many questions you would like to discuss.
Should I book a health check if my pet seems well?
Yes. Preventive check-ups are designed for pets that appear healthy as well as those with obvious symptoms. They help identify issues early and keep routine care on track.
Will my pet be vaccinated during the same appointment?
Sometimes, depending on the reason for the visit and your pet’s schedule. We can advise what is suitable at the time and discuss our health checks and clinics and preventative healthcare services.
What if my pet needs further tests?
If we find something that needs a closer look, we will explain the next steps clearly. In some cases that may involve monitoring, treatment, imaging or referral within our advanced surgery and medicine services.
Do you offer checks for new puppies and kittens?
Yes. Young pets benefit from early examinations, feeding advice and routine care planning. You may also wish to see our free puppy and kitten health checks.
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.
Arrange a Health Check With Our Veterinary Team
If you would like reassurance about your pet’s health, we are here to help. At Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery, we are proud to support local pet owners across Horsham and West Sussex with friendly, practical care.
You can book an appointment online, register your pet with us, or contact our veterinary team to discuss the most suitable appointment. If you would like ongoing support with routine wellbeing, you can also explore our Health Checks and Clinics and VIP Health Plan.
