Regular health care for pets is a crucial part of their ongoing development, health and well-being. Outside regular exercise, a healthy diet and other pet-related products, your pet needs routine health care to ensure it has a long and happy life.
Regular, routine health care should include proper grooming, good dental care, parasite prevention and regular visits to the veterinarian’s office. To learn more, read on.
Ongoing Veterinarian Visits
Adult cats and dogs should have a complete veterinary examination at least once a year. Meanwhile, puppies should visit the veterinarian every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re 4 months old. Senior dogs should see their veterinarian twice a year as illness is more common in older dogs.
Your veterinarian may recommend an ongoing wellness program for your pet, including routine blood work to monitor for problems such as early kidney or liver disease. They will also look for signs of illness, possibly prescribe medication and may administer disease vaccinations.
Prevention of Parasites
Cats and dogs are both susceptible to internal parasites like tapeworm, hookworm, whipworm, and roundworm. Worms will not only cause irreparable damage to the digestive tract, they can leave your pet feeling fatigued and undernourished since they deplete the digestive tract of nutrients.
Typically, worms are either noticed by spotting eggs or worms in the animal’s fecal matter or by having a stool sample tested by your veterinarian.
Heartworm is an especially dangerous parasite for most pets. It is transmitted by mosquito bites and lives in the major blood vessels of the lung, causing inflammation and potentially resulting in heart damage and death. It is painful and devastating – meaning an investment in heartworm prevention medicine is probably the best preventive health care for pets.
Other external parasites include mites, ticks and fleas. These pests cannot only irritate your pet, but also cause infection. So, check your animal regularly for signs of flea bites, and treat for it accordingly.
Dental Care
Cats and dogs need regular dental care to prevent tartar buildup and tooth decay. Typically, dogs require ongoing dental care, like a light, daily tooth brushing. Cats are typically fine with a few dental treats and the occasional vet visit.
You can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums in good condition by brushing their teeth regularly and providing them with certain toys like flossies or dental bones.
Grooming of Hair
Loose or shed hair cannot only mat and cause problems, but it can also be inhaled and lead to digestive issues or hair balls. Keep your pet well groomed to avoid skin irritation, which can also lead to bacterial or parasite infection.
Remember, health care for pets goes beyond treating a disease or health problem once it occurs – it’s also about preventive action and ongoing health maintenance. So, provide your pet with a long and healthy life through ongoing grooming, good dental care, parasite prevention and regular veterinarian visits.