Routine vet visits are important to ensure your pet’s long-term physical health. These routine examinations, regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition give your four-legged friend the best chance at excellent lifelong health. Wellness exams also allow your veterinarian to provide important information about your dog’s or cat’s diet and exercise routines. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise are excellent ways to help your pet live a long and healthy life.
How frequently should my pet be examined?
The average pet ages five to seven years for every human year, depending on breed and size. That means a 7-year-old terrier has the same health as a 35-year-old human. Because of your pet’s short life expectancy (around 14 years), it is critical that he or she receive preventive care at least once a year and twice a year for pets over the age of nine.
Why are routine exams necessary for your pet’s health?
The following are some reasons to further understand why a routine dog checkup is essential for your pet’s overall health.
Early Disease Detection
The ability to detect illnesses early on is a key benefit of regular health check-ups for your pet. Subtle changes in your pet’s behavior may indicate something more serious. If your pet has a condition, early treatment improves the prognosis. This treatment could include surgery and medication to a simple diet change. Getting started as soon as possible is the key so visit your vet now or check their website to learn about the services that they offer.
Prevention Treatments
Many animal illnesses are easily preventable with the help of your veterinarian. Younger pets, in particular, will require a variety of vaccines to combat preventable diseases and parasite and worm treatments. Your vet will help you build a preventative health care plan for your pet, including scheduled treatments. The vet will examine your pet’s weight at each check-up and will be able to warn you if they are becoming overweight, allowing you to make the necessary changes to avoid obesity.
Important Checks
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough nose-to-tail examination of your pet during an annual health check. They will examine your pet’s ears for mites and infection and his or her eyes for vision problems such as cataracts or glaucoma, which can lead to more serious problems. Internal organs will be checked for abnormalities using a stethoscope and physical manipulation. The mouth of your pet is another important area to investigate. Tooth or gum decay can cause pain in your pet without your knowledge. This can result in more serious abscesses or tooth loss that is why regular dog teeth cleaninng is recommended.
Total Wellbeing
After your pet’s wellness exam, your doctor will discuss any health issues and nutritional needs. Your pet’s general demeanor and physical condition can provide vital information about your animal’s overall health to your veterinarian. The way your pet stands and walks and their level of alertness and weight are all important indicators of overall health.
The Takeaway
Pets are genetically programmed to conceal any illness. Preventable diseases such as ear infections, obesity, and dental disease can be addressed through routine wellness exams and early screenings for arthritis, diabetes, and kidney disease. Routine wellness exams result in early disease detection and prevention, resulting in a healthier and longer life for your pet.