Why Wellness Testing Matters – A Look at Scott’s Story
As dog parents, we all want to do what’s best for our four-legged friends – feeding them well, showering them with love, and keeping them active and happy. But what about catching health concerns before they become a problem? This is where Proactive Wellness Testing can make all the difference!
Let’s take a look at how our in-house Wellness Check helped Scott, a 3.5-year-old Cocker Spaniel x Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – and why his visit is a perfect example of how proactive care pays off.
Scott is a relaxed, friendly dog who travels frequently with his owner between the UK, Italy, and France. He’s never had any major health issues and wasn’t showing any signs of illness. However, his owner chose for Scott to undergo a Wellness Test – not because anything was wrong, but to make sure everything was right. Her goal? Peace of mind and the opportunity to catch potential issues early.
What Did the Wellness Check Involve?
Scott’s wellness visit included:
- A comprehensive physical examination
- A detailed review of his medical and lifestyle history
- Blood tests (haematology and biochemistry)
- Urinalysis
- Faecal parasite screening
Wellness Check Results:
The physical exam showed that Scott was in excellent shape: a healthy heart and lungs, no signs of discomfort, clear eyes and ears, and a glossy coat. The only minor issues noted were tartar buildup on his teeth and a slightly dirty left ear – both common and easily managed with routine care.
Even in a seemingly healthy dog like Scott, wellness testing revealed subtle changes that might have otherwise gone unnoticed:
- A slightly elevated chloride level and concentrated urine suggested mild dehydration – nothing concerning, but a helpful reminder to carry water, especially on warmer days or during travel.
- A couple of minor outliers in his blood results were clinically insignificant, but offer valuable insight into what’s “normal” for Scott. Every dog is different, and tracking these baselines over time helps us spot real changes earlier.
- No parasites were detected in his stool—great news, confirming that his current anti-parasite regime is effective.
These findings, while minor, provide a strong foundation for monitoring Scott’s health into the future, especially as he gets older.
What’s Next for Scott?
Following the check-up, Scott’s owner received tailored advice to help him stay in top shape:
- Encourage more water intake during hot weather or while traveling
- Brush his teeth more frequently to help reduce tartar buildup
- Clean his ears weekly, especially since he loves to swim
- Keep an eye on weight management – Scott is just slightly over his ideal weight
Ready to Book Your Dog’s Wellness Test?
To book or learn more, email us at healthhcare@wagworks.co.uk