The Importance of a Preventative Pet Care Plan
When it comes to pet care, the best way you can avoid having to seek emergency veterinarian care at an animal hospital is by making sure you have a preventive care plan in place. If your furry friend doesn't have one, our veterinarians at Northwood Veterinary Hospital are happy to help you develop a comprehensive preventive care plan for your pet.
Preventive Care Exams
The first step of a preventive care plan is to make sure your pet is getting regular wellness exams. Most pets should see the vet once a year for an exam. As pets start to get older and they are more susceptible to disease, you should bring them in at least twice a year. By bringing your pets to a veterinarian regularly, you will prevent illness as the vet will be able to spot any issues before they turn into a severe problem.
Diagnostic Tests
In addition to a wellness exam, you will want to make sure the pet is having the appropriate diagnostic tests completed. Diagnostic tests will indicate if an animal has an issue that may not be visible during an exam. A fecal test can be conducted to look for any parasites or intestinal problems. A urinalysis can also be done, which will help show internal issues such as poor liver or kidney function. A blood test will be done as well, which can predict serious health issues such as if your pet is anemic or has diabetes. We will also test for heartworm, even if your pet is on heartworm medication. This is a necessary test to perform, due to the severe issues heartworms can cause.
Vaccinations
Making sure your pet receives the necessary vaccinations to keep healthy is vital. It is important to remember that most vaccinations require additional booster shots throughout a pets' lifetime. We will work with you to make sure you are aware of your pet's vaccination schedule so you can make an appointment at the appropriate time.
Parasite control
Many parasites can cause issues with your pet. The most common parasites that affect pets are fleas and ticks. There are many ways to prevent fleas and ticks on your pet, including oral medication, shampoos, and collars. It is also important to protect your pet from heartworm, which can be fatal.
Dental Care
Dental care must be part of your pets’ preventative care plan. We can professionally clean your pet's teeth at our offices and then guide you on how to keep your pets’ teeth healthy at home. Failure to take care of your pets’ teeth can lead to tooth loss, oral pain, and even infection.
If you would like to discuss your pets' preventive care plan, give Northwood Veterinary Hospital a call today at (603) 942-8368. We proudly serve the Northwood area.
