According to American Veterinary Medical Association data, nearly one-third of dogs, cats, and other pets don’t visit veterinarians annually. If your pet’s last appointment at a veterinary practice was over 12 months ago, consider scheduling one now at an animal hospital in NYC.
Preventive care for pets is easy for people to overlook, especially when their dogs and cats are young. They assume their pets are “fine” and only bring them to vets if they look or act sick or injured.
If you’re a pet parent, this is not the right approach. Instead, arrange regular check-ups to keep your pet healthy for years.
See what makes preventive care essential below.
What Is Preventive Care for Pets?
Preventive care is a catch-all term for all the pet care services veterinarians provide during routine check-ups. These pet health services keep healthy dogs and cats happy throughout their lives.
Generally speaking, pet parents should take advantage of these services through veterinary hospitals at least once yearly. However, you may need to schedule them more frequently if you have new or senior pets.
A veterinarian will provide additional insight into how often you should bring your dog or cat for wellness care. Everything from your pet’s health to age will determine how regularly they should see a vet.
What Does Preventive Care Include?
When people think about preventive care for pets, they usually associate it with vaccinations, and for good reason. Many dogs and cats must get core vaccinations to protect them from life-threatening diseases. For example, they’re both required to receive rabies shots from a young age.
Additionally, dogs need vaccines to protect them from adenovirus, distemper, and parvovirus, while cats need them for calicivirus, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia. Owners should also consider vaccinating their dogs for Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, and Lyme disease and their cats for feline leukemia.
But vaccinations are only the beginning. Preventive care also includes many other services, such as:
- Comprehensive annual wellness exams
- In-depth control screenings for intestinal parasites and heartworm prevention
- Thorough screenings for age-related health conditions
- Extensive blood work and other testing
To administer the most proactive care, veterinarians typically have pets step on scales to check their weights and evaluate their oral health for signs of trouble, such as periodontal disease, offering dental cleanings as needed. During health checks, they might even give owners tips on proper nutrition, grooming, and exercise routines.
What Are the Benefits of Preventive Care?
Seeking preventive care for pets requires time and money. These health check-ups normally last around 30 minutes and cost anywhere from $50 to $250 on average, depending on which specific services and vaccinations meet a pet’s individual needs.
Ultimately, this is a small price to pay when you consider all the benefits. Here are several of the biggest advantages.
Detects Potential Health Issues and Enables Early Intervention
As long as your dog or cat is on the proper vaccination schedule, you might be under the impression that you’re doing everything you can to raise a healthy pet. This may not be true.
During check-ups, a vet examines every part of your pet to uncover potential health problems. They could very well spot signs of serious complications related to relatively common diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or even cancer.
Early detection of these diseases can make all the difference when treating your dog or cat. For instance, catching diabetes during the early stages could prevent it from going untreated and developing into a deadly disease like diabetic ketoacidosis.
Stops Diseases From Spreading to Other Pets and People
When owners choose not to bring their dogs and cats to an animal hospital, they risk the health of more than just their own pets. They also risk the good health of other people’s pets since many diseases they’re vaccinated against are contagious.
If dogs aren’t vaccinated against Bordetella, distemper, and parvovirus, they could spread them to other animals. Cats could do the same with calicivirus, distemper, and feline leukemia virus.
If you’re not careful, dogs and cats might even pass diseases along to you and your family. Dogs can cause humans to catch campylobacteriosis, while cats may give them toxoplasmosis. You will protect yourself against the spread of diseases within your home by taking preventive measures.
Saves Money Throughout Pets’ Lifespans
As your pet ages, you should prepare to spend more money on medical treatments. Age-related diseases may start to set in and call for more advanced treatments.
However, you can also manage your pet care costs by investing in preventive care throughout a pet’s life. A vet may catch medical problems before they begin spiraling out of control and treat them more efficiently, saving you money.
This is one more reason to prioritize regular veterinary visits from the moment you first welcome a dog or cat into your home.
Who Should You Trust To Provide Preventive Care?
Cat and dog owners in New York have plenty of options when choosing a veterinarian. Per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the Empire State is home to almost 3,500 veterinarians.
Take your time when deciding which veterinary clinic to trust to provide preventive care for pets. Search for a clinic that offers the right blend of experience and expertise. Make sure it’s in a convenient location and offers all the services your dog or cat will need now and well into the future.
The trusted and well-respected veterinary team from Hudson Animal Hospital is an excellent option for those looking for a vet in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Contact Us To Schedule Regular Check-Ups for Pets
Preventive care for pets is paramount. If you don’t make it a part of their normal routine, it could harm your pet’s overall health over the long run, possibly forcing you to deal with a mountain of medical bills throughout their life. It could also impact your peace of mind.
Would you like to schedule a physical exam for your dog or cat? Request an appointment by calling Hudson Animal Hospital at (212) 706-4088.