Routine veterinary visits help your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Annual or biannual examinations aid in detecting and treating developing health concerns, which is crucial for extending your pet’s life with you. Early detection and intervention allow your veterinarian to treat a condition when it is still in its infancy and then manage it with medication or simple lifestyle changes. Additionally, your veterinarian may advise you on how to help your pet live a healthy life and avoid future medical problems.
What is the importance of routine pet checkups?
Annual examinations with your veterinarian enable you to monitor your pet’s health and spot underlying issues early. The following are some reasons for you to learn more on why you should have your pet examined routinely by a veterinarian.
Vaccines
Vaccines are a well-known and vital component of pet health care. A simple vaccine from places like Little Miami vet clinic can protect puppies from severe viral diseases such as Parvo and Distemper. Cats are infected with severe Feline Leukemia and Panleukopenia viruses. All puppies and kittens must have vaccinations and boosters. At least once a year, booster shots for bacterial vaccines such as Leptospira, Lyme, and Bordetella should be administered. Even senior pets get boosters to avoid fatal Lepto infections, debilitating Lyme disease, and vexing Bordetella infections (Kennel Cough).
Dental Care
Similarly to people, pets require dental care. Even if you brush your pet’s teeth twice a day at home, the ultrasonic scaler and polisher should be utilized. This is the same instrument your dentist uses to clean and examine you every six months. Dental calculus, gingivitis, and tooth decay are all common in dogs and cats. They should have their teeth cleaned at least once a year, beginning at the age of one. Minor dental concerns, such as tartar buildup in little dogs necessitate more frequent cleanings. Pets that do not receive scaling and polishing develop bad breath, tooth decay, and root abscesses. On the other hand, severe gum disease might result in persistent infection, allowing germs to enter the circulation. Bacteria in the bloodstream can cause spots in the liver and other organs. Early dental cleanings can help prevent tooth decay and damage.
Tick and Flea Control
Fleas and ticks can be extremely dangerous to your pet. These microscopic parasites can infect your cat and cause significant sickness. Lyme, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are all transmitted by ticks. Fleas are capable of transmitting tapeworms to your pets! Through their blood-sucking diet, fleas can also transfer Bartonella, the germs that cause Cat Scratch Fever. All pets should be treated with the appropriate flea and tick prevention for their geographic location.
Heartworm Control
Are you aware that heartworms can infect both cats and dogs? All pets in the United States should receive lifetime heartworm prophylaxis. Mosquitoes transmit this severe worm infection to your pet from infected animals, putting even indoor pets at risk.
Heartworms have been detected in each of the fifty states. All puppies and kittens should be started on oral, topical, or injectable preventive before the age of six months. Heartworm treatment for your dog may be prohibitively expensive. Unfortunately, cats do not have a cure; as a result, they must be protected. This is the reason why Little Miami Veterinary Services does encourage pet owners to get their annual check ups.
Conclusion
As you can see, the benefits of annual pet checkups much outweigh any potential disadvantages. Annual checkups for your pet will help you save money and ensure that your dog is up to date on all required vaccinations. If you haven’t already, you now have four strong reasons to schedule an annual physical examination for your pet.
