Some pet owners take their pets to the veterinarian’s office when the animals show signs of illness. It’s the most common practice, but it can lead to unnoticed suffering for pets and increased expense for owners. Many common health problems in cats and dogs can be avoided through proper nutrition, parasite prevention, regular dental care and proper vaccinations.
Healthy Eating is as Important for Your Pet as it is for You
Approximately 60% of our pets are overweight or obese. That extra weight increases the risk of a handful of health conditions including…
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Skin problems
- Breathing difficulties
- Certain cancers
- Mobility problems
- Sudden death
Weight management can eliminate or extremely limit the onset of these diseases, so it’s an important part of any preventative care plan. Creating and implementing a proper weight management plan for your pet involves things like:
- Evaluating your pet’s current body condition
- Finding a high-quality food that meets the dog or cat’s nutritional needs
- Feeding an appropriate amount to your pet and adjusting this amount as necessary
- Providing your pet with regular exercise
Work with veterinarian to develop a personal weight-management program for your dog or cat and improve his or her quality of life instantly.
Screening and Preventing Parasites
Dogs and cats can host a number of internal and external parasites including heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, whipworms, tapeworms, fleas, ticks, mites and many others. Infection with parasites causes a variety of health problems including the following:
- Skin disease
- Weight loss
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Organ damage
- Eye problems
- Lung disease
- Heart problems
- Infectious diseases, including Lyme, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and other
- Anaemia
Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations about regular parasite testing and prevention and you’ll have a happier friend for a longer time. Yearly poop screenings and physical examinations are important for all pets, and dogs should receive annual heartworm tests too. Other tests may be necessary depending on your pet’s lifestyle and symptoms.
Veterinarians are also able to design complete parasite prevention programs and if your pet has ever experienced a parasite infestation, you should seriously consider it. This program will include provisions to prevent fleas and ticks, intestinal parasites, heartworms and more.
A Trip to the Dentist
By the time they’re three years old, most cats and dogs show signs of periodontal disease. In addition bad breath and mouth pain, dental disease can lead to organ damage, malnutrition and a number of other health problems. To keep your pet healthy, we have to be on top of regular dental examinations, teeth cleanings and quick treatment for any dental problems that pop up.
Just a Little Needle
Proper vaccination can prevent potentially deadly diseases including rabies, parvovirus, distemper, feline leukaemia and others. Not all pets need every vaccination available. Instead, each pet should have a vaccination program tailored to its specific lifestyle.
When used properly, vaccines have benefits that far outweigh their potential risks. Your veterinarian can help you decide which vaccinations your pet requires based on the animal’s age, current condition and lifestyle. By choosing appropriate vaccines, you can protect your pet from dangerous illnesses while minimizing the chance of side effects.
Routine veterinary care is important for both your pet’s health and your budget. Get in touch with us today to book little Bruiser’s check up so he can stay healthy and active through the winter.
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