You dog or cat cannot express how he or she feels until a disease is advanced. In fact, many dogs or cats will not exhibit any signs of distress in the first stages of most illnesses. In order to prevent this from happening, you need to make sure that early health issues are detected through annual or semi-annual exams. A visit to a veterinarian also gives you an opportunity to ask any pertinent questions about your pet’s nutrition, overall health, behavior, or flea control.
Dental Disease
One area that is frequently overlooked by pet owners is dental care. Both dogs and cats benefit from teeth brushing as they can develop dental disease before you are aware they have a problem. The vet can also tell if your pet is overweight. Each visit to a veterinarian’s office provides a record of your dog’s or cat’s weight that can be used to measure its dietary progress. A veterinarian can provide recommendations on feeding and nutrition so your pet maintains a normal and healthy weight.
Vaccinations
Routine care is also needed for periodic vaccinations. Vaccinations should always be administered to kittens and puppies for the prevention of disease. The usual schedule normally begins at six weeks of age and continues until a pet is twice that old. Along with an annual or bi-annual exam, vaccinations are vital to a pet’s health. You simply cannot get by with routinely checking your pet at home, although that is important too. You need to partner with a good vet to ensure that your pet is feeling its best.
When checking your pet at home, examine it for any cuts, swellings, lumps, or other changes on a daily basis. Again, animals cannot describe their physical ailments. Therefore, it is important to be alert and spot any issues early, seeking a veterinarian’s attention when needed. Routine care is imperative for the general health of your pet. Just because your dog or cat does not seem sick does not mean you should ever bypass regular exams with your vet. Contact All Creatures Hospital at (858) 481-7992 for more details. You can connect with them on Facebook for more updates.
