Pet Wellness Matters!
Most pet owners wouldn’t hesitate to bring their pets to the veterinarian if they were sick or injured, but it’s easy to let those annual checkups slide, especially if your pet seems healthy.
Pet wellness is about more than a trip to the veterinarian when needed, thouogh. Annual wellness examinations are truly one of the best investments you can make in your pet’s health, happiness, and longevity.
An Ounce of Prevention
We know our pets better than anyone else, but how are we to know whether or not their liver or kidneys are at peak performance, or when their joints are beginning to feel the effects of arthritis?
The annual wellness exam is our chance to get to know your pet better and to catch any problems that may be brewing before they get out of hand.
The Pet Wellness Rundown
After taking a thorough health history of your pet, your veterinarian will perform a “nose-to-tail” examination of your pet’s ears, eyes, abdomen, skin, coat, heart, lungs, and musculoskeletal system. Diagnostic testing may also be useful in determining your pet’s health baseline. Other aspects of your pet’s wellness exam includes:
- Dental health – Up to 85% of dogs and cats have some form of dental disease by the time they reach age three. Untreated dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, widespread systemic problems, and decreased life expectancy. We will assess your pet’s oral health at each visit and make recommendations for follow-up home and professional care.
- Nutrition and exercise – Pet obesity and its associated health issues are on the rise, which is why we take a close look at your pet’s weight, activity levels, and nutritional status. Your veterinarian will help you formulate a plan to meet your pet’s needs for proper nutrition and exercise.
- Disease prevention – Vaccinations and year-round parasite control are designed to protect your pet against communicable and vector-borne disease. The recommendations for your pet will be tailored to their species, age, and lifestyle.
- Behavioral concerns – Behavior problems in pets can be stressful for the whole family. The annual wellness exam is a great opportunity to seek advice from your veterinarian, especially since some behavior problems stem from underlying health concerns.
- Spay/neuter – Having your pet spayed or neutered can protect them from certain health conditions as well as reduces pet overpopulation.
Pet Wellness Begins at Home
Besides making a commitment to your pet’s annual physical exams (or bi-annual for senior pets), taking care of their health on a daily basis is the other piece of their wellness puzzle. Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise and a highly nutritious diet, and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for home dental care.
Together we can keep your pet healthy and happy for the long haul. For more information on pet wellness or to schedule an appointment for your pet, check out our pet wellness plans, and don’t hesitate to call your team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital.