An Apple a Day: The Principles of Pet Wellness

Most of us have an intrinsic understanding of preventive care. We attempt to eat our fruits and vegetables, try to get enough exercise, and allow ourselves to be poked and prodded by our physicians and dentists, all in the name of good health.

Preventive care is just as important for the health and longevity of our pets. Regular physical examinations are one of the best investments you can make when it comes to pet wellness, and one that will have a huge impact on their lifelong health.

At Hampton Veterinary Hospital we recommend biannual wellness examinations for all of our patients, because pets age much faster than we do. They also hide illness and other medical issues from us at home that can be identified by your veterinarian on examination.

The Importance Of Regular Pet Wellness Exams

Vaccinations and parasite testing/prevention are key components of preventive health, but your pet’s wellness examinations are intended to cover a lot of ground. When we see your pet on a regular basis, we are better able to catch and treat any health problems as they crop up. Taking care of issues early leads to a better prognosis overall, and can save you time, money, and potential heartbreak.

Pet Wellness Care Decoded

Along with the necessary vaccinations, nose-to-tail examination, weight check, blood work, and other diagnostic testing performed at each wellness exam, there are a variety of other areas of importance:

• Dental health – Up to 85% of cats and dogs have some form of dental disease by the time they reach age 3. Untreated dental disease can lead to a variety of serious health problems and may even decrease your pet’s life expectancy. Your veterinarian will perform an oral exam on your pet, as well as discuss any follow-up care that may be needed.
• Behavioral concerns – Behavior problems can severely strain the relationship you have with your pet, and can be a huge source of stress for a family. The wellness visit is the perfect opportunity to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Changes in normal behavior can also indicate an underlying health problem that needs to be addressed.
• Health baseline – Adhering to your pet’s regularly scheduled exams is how we get to know what is “normal” for your pet. Establishing this health baseline greatly increases the chance that we will be able to spot future abnormalities quickly.

Committing to preventive care for your pet will help to ensure that they are happy, healthy, and enjoying life by your side for many more years to come. If we haven’t seen your pet for awhile, don’t hesitate to give the team at Hampton Veterinary Hospital a call. We look forward to seeing you!