When it comes to caring for our furry companions, proper veterinary care is crucial. Not only does it ensure the health and happiness of our pets, but it also plays a vital role in managing the pet population.
Although your pet may look healthy, diseases often cause no obvious signs in their early stages. Wellness exams and screening tests allow your veterinary team to detect diseases before they progress and begin treatments that will extend your pet’s healthy years by your side. This blog will highlight the importance of veterinary care for both dogs and cats, along with the significance of spaying and neutering.
The Importance of Vet Care for Dogs
1. Regular Check-Ups
It is recommended all pets visit their veterinarian for routine care at least once per year. Senior pets and pets with chronic health issues will need more frequent appointments. Pets can develop diseases at any age, although the likelihood increases as pets get older. Pets instinctively hide pain and illness signs, which can prevent pet owners from realizing their furry friend is sick.
Routine veterinary visits allow you and your pet to develop a strong relationship with your
veterinary team, which helps them provide better care over time. Additional benefits of routine veterinary visits include:
Establishing a baseline — By scheduling routine visits when your pet is young, you help your veterinary team determine your pet’s normal parameters.
Detecting early disease signs — Wellness visits can uncover early disease signs, so your veterinary team can address problems before they progress to unmanageable or life-threatening conditions.
Detecting aging changes — Your pet’s body will change with age, and your veterinary team can recommend lifestyle changes or products that can help your furry pal continue to enjoy life well into their golden years.
During your pet’s annual wellness exam, your veterinarian examines them from head to tail and looks for changes or signs that could indicate a problem. Body systems that are examined and common findings include:
Eyes — Pets of all ages can develop eye
issues that may threaten their comfort or vision. Eyelid disorders, cataracts, glaucoma, ulcers, and eye inflammation are common problems that require prompt attention.
Ears — Ear infections are one of the most common reasons pets—especially dogs—visit the veterinarian. Routine ear checks can help your veterinarian identify problems that may lead to future infections.
Mouth — Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s dental health and let you know if they are due for a professional cleaning.
Skin and coat — Flaky, itchy, red skin or a dull hair coat can indicate a skin issue or a more severe problem with your pet’s systemic health.
Heart and lungs — Heart murmurs and abnormal rhythms are often discovered during routine veterinary visits, long before other heart disease signs become evident. If an abnormality is detected, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or heart ultrasound.
Abdomen — Your veterinarian will feel your pet’s abdomen to check for masses, pain, or enlarged organs that could indicate a problem.
Joints — A thorough exam can uncover joint problems, arthritis, or pain you didn’t realize your pet was experiencing. Arthritis is common in senior dogs and cats; however, many owners assume their pet’s decreased activity is simply due to normal aging changes.
Nervous system — Your veterinarian will check your pet’s basic reflexes and ask questions about their behavior to evaluate their nervous system.
Benefits of pet health screening tests
Your veterinarian may recommend health screening tests during your pet’s wellness visit. Screening tests evaluate aspects of your pet’s health that aren’t apparent during a physical exam, such as kidney function or blood cell counts. Regular screening tests allow your veterinarian to compare your pet’s results year over year, track trends, and identify subtle issues as soon as they arise.
Recommended tests are tailored to your pet’s species, age, and lifestyle. Possible recommendations may include:
Blood work — Blood panels evaluate a wide range of internal health parameters such as organ function, hydration status, blood cell counts, and immune function.
Urinalysis — During a urinalysis, your veterinarian measures chemicals in your pet’s urine and examines the urine under a microscope to further assess your pet’s kidney
function.
Heartworm screening — Heartworms are parasitic worms that cause life-threatening heart failure. All pets, even those who receive year-round heartworm prevention, should be tested annually to ensure they are heartworm-free.
Fecal testing — Your pet’s feces will be examined under a microscope for intestinal worms and parasites.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations protect dogs from serious diseases. Core vaccines, such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, are essential for all dogs, while non-core vaccines may be recommended depending on your dog’s lifestyle and exposure risks
Nutritional Guidance
Veterinarians can guide you on the best diet for your dog, ensuring they maintain a healthy weight and receive the necessary nutrients. Proper nutrition is key to a dog’s overall well-being and energy levels. For instance an older dog will have different nutritional needs than a puppy.
5. Spaying and Neutering
Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are crucial aspects of responsible pet ownership. These procedures not only help control the pet population but also reduce the risk of certain health issues, such as tumors and infections. They can also lead to better behavior, reducing aggression and marking territory.
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