WHAT IS “RIGHT”?
Animals bring a lot of fun to the table, but for all their unconditional love and endless entertainment, they depend on their owners to provide all their basic needs. But with all the abundance available to pet owners when it comes to pet health, how can you know what’s right for your pet?
The Broad Strokes
Many pet owners believe their pets are healthy as long as they aren’t showing certain signs of illness or injury. However, because pets age much faster than we do, it’s critically important to assess their health 1-2 times a year.
Early detection of illness or chronic conditions can lead us to more effective treatment, at a significantly decreased cost.
Self-Preservation
Animals instinctively cover signs of weakness, so it can come as a surprise to hear that a pet is actually sick. We assess the following areas during routine pet wellness exams in order to address possible issues:
Eyes, ear and nose
Dental hygiene
Weight and body condition
Coat and skin
Lungs and heart
Lymph nodes
Musculoskeletal system
Abdomen and digestion
Determining baseline values for the above, taken when a pet is healthy, can help us compare and contrast future results. This helps us establish patterns for a long, healthy life and develop an individual long-term pet health plan that takes into consideration their species, breed, age, weight, and lifestyle.
The Fine Print
Additionally, it can be beneficial to run diagnostics, screen for parasites, and administer core vaccinations to prevent contagious disease. Because of the long term benefits associated with spaying and neutering, parasite prevention, and training, we can help you address these early on in your pet’s life.
Lifelong Pet Health
For optimal pet health, it’s essential that their pet enjoys a balanced diet, paired with daily opportunities for physical and mental exercise. Also, because a majority of older pets experience periodontal disease, it is critical to keep up with pet dental care at home.
It may seem like a lot to juggle, but our veterinarians and staff members are here to help. When excellent habits are established and reinforced, optimal pet health is all but guaranteed.
If you have additional questions or concerns about pet health, please schedule an appointment.
