Why Preventative Healthcare is as Important For Pets as it is For Humans

Preventative medicine in humans is key to a happy and prolonged life. This is also true for pets. People wouldn’t dream of letting years lapse without a check up at their doctor, yet we prolong preventative vet visits for our pets all the time. As pet owners and guardians, it is our responsibility to know our pets and their breed-specific needs. Some of those needs are common sense, like food, water, and exercise. There are other needs that can only be identified by a trained professional. That’s why a good veterinary clinic is a critical partner in your pet’s welfare.

Our clinic can help you put your pet on the path to good health. We can teach you about your pet’s needs and help you develop a plan to meet them. Here are four simple steps to help your pet live a healthy, happy, and prolonged life:

1. Know your breed

Each breed comes with its own set of health concerns of which you need to be mindful. Unfortunately, many owners aren’t in tune with what their particular breed requires. They think all pets are the same! This simply isn’t true. What is good for one breed may be terrible for another. One breed may have degenerative issues that others do not.

This is where the help of our clinic can be invaluable. Not only can we alert you to the potential risks of your particular breed, but we can also perform laboratory and diagnostic testing to make sure those issues are kept at bay.

2. Dental care is key

We have all encountered a pet with stinky breath.

Clean teeth are not only important in resolving your pet’s bad breath, but can also prevent gum disease and pain. For example, a dog’s teeth should be brushed twice a day. There is also a range of dental supplements that can enhance your pet’s dental hygiene.

Give us a call – we would be more than happy to walk you through all of your pet’s dental options!

3. Your pet’s weight is important

Just as in humans, obesity in animals can have a severe impact on their health. Luckily, there are a few easy things to keep in mind when it comes to pets and food:

• Human food should never be given to animals
• Keep cooked bones away from dogs. They can damage their internal organs as they are digested.
• Know which foods can produce allergies or pose serious risks to your pet. For example, chocolate can be deadly for dogs and cats.

4. Understand the needs of a senior pet

Senior pets need extra care to preserve their quality of life. Ensuring that they stay active and maintain a proper diet is even more critical for your older pet. Keep in mind that health-related problems tend to present more suddenly in older animals. You will want to visit the vet more often for preventative checkups to catch little issues before they become bigger challenges.

As we all know, pets cannot tell us when something is wrong. It’s up to us to be attentive to changes in their condition, such as:

• Lack of energy
• Lack of appetite
• Infrequent urination
• Excessive coughing
• Hair loss or itchy skin
• Stiffness, lameness, or difficulty rising

If your pet shows any of these signs, please call the clinic to make an appointment as soon as possible.

Your turn

There are many preventative measures that you can undertake to make sure your pet lives a long and happy life. If you have any questions about what was discussed, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below and I will be sure to respond promptly.

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Also, feel free to make an appointment today for your pet, or just come by and visit. We’ll be happy to see you!!