By Dr. Sangeeta Vengsarkar Shah*
You want the best for your furry companion as a pet parent. Preventive health care is an integral part of your pet’s overall health. You can reduce the risk of illness and increase the chances of your pet living a long and happy life by taking proactive measures to keep them healthy. Here are some pointers to get you started:
- How often should a pet visit the veterinarian?
- What are the preventive healthcare guidelines?
- Scheduling a health and wellness examination for furry friends
- Feed a balanced and nutritional diet
You should take your pet to the vet every two weeks till vaccination is complete and thereafter for a spay/neuter and hip x-ray around 8-12 months of age. For Senior pets above 8 years visits should be every 3 months. Older pets should visit the vet more frequently in a year. Additionally, senior pets require standard check-ups, vaccinations, and timely diagnostics.
Preventive healthcare guidelines help a pet parent to keep their pet healthy. Essential preventive care steps are vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, a healthy and nutritional diet, and regular exercise. Vaccinations protect your pet from common diseases, while parasite prevention treatments, such as flea and tick treatments, help prevent infestations. Also, Regular dental care prevents gum disease and tooth decay. Moreover, the vet suggest a nutritional diet and regular exercise to keep your pet healthy and fit.
Complete diagnosis allows the vet to evaluate your pet’s overall health. It includes a physical examination, blood tests, and diagnostic tests as and when required. A complete health and wellness test can detect any underlying health problems that may not be evident in your pet’s behaviour. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious health issues and increase your pet’s longevity.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in your pet’s health. A balanced diet that completes your pet’s nutritional requirements is essential to maintain good health. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, leading to various health problems, such as joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes. Pet parents should use vet-suggested diet plans based on age, weight, and breed for your furry companions
- Maintain proper weight of furry companions
A pet’s overall health depends on its weight being kept at a healthy level. Overweight pets often experience discomfort from arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight for your pet is possible with the help of regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Talk to your veterinarian about a weight-reduction plan for your pet if you notice it is overweight.
Preventive care is the foundation of your pet’s wellness journey. Regular visits to the vet for better preventive healthcare measures, a balanced diet, and regular exercise can keep your pet healthy and happy. As a responsible pet parent, your informed decisions play a vital role in your pet’s well-being. Taking proactive measures that keep your pet healthy also ensures that your furry companion enjoys a long and happy life.
2https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/preventive-health-care-guidelines-for-dogs
*Dr. Sangeeta is a pioneer in Small Animal Cardiology and has been in small animal practice since 1987. She is a pioneer in small animal cardiology and is the first small animal Cardiologist in India. She did her thesis on ‘Diagnosis of heart disease in Canines’. After completing her Masters in Medicine from Bombay Veterinary College in 1988 she worked as an observer at Cardiopet (founded by Dr. Larry Tilley), New York, at the Department of Cardiology, University of Knoxville, Tennessee, and at the University of Pennsylvania in 1992. She founded the Small Animal Cardiac Centre in SPCA in 1993.
