There are many different types of routine veterinary care that your pet may need throughout his or her life. For example, all puppies and kittens should be vaccinated against common diseases, and all dogs and cats should be spayed or neutered. In addition, all pets should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and more often if they are older or have health problems.
It’s crucial that pet owners work these routine vet bills into their budget, in addition to saving for emergencies. You might also consider pet insurance to help make proper vet care more affordable. Be sure to read the fine print to ensure the pet insurance policy covers routine care.
Routine Procedures
There are a number of other routine procedures that your pet may need, depending on his or her species and age. For example, all puppies and kittens should be screened for parasites, and all dogs should be tested for heartworm. All cats should be tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and all cats over the age of seven should be screened for kidney disease.
Dental Care
It’s also important to keep your pet’s teeth clean. Not only is it important for your pet’s oral health, but it can also prevent other health problems from developing. All dogs and cats should have their teeth brushed regularly, and some may also need dental cleanings done by a veterinarian.
One of the most common dental problems in pets is tartar buildup. Tartar is a hardened plaque that builds up on the teeth over time. It can be difficult to remove without the help of a veterinarian. Tartar can cause gum inflammation and lead to other dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
If your pet has dental problems, it’s important to seek veterinary help. Left untreated, dental problems can lead to more serious health problems. Veterinary dental cleanings are safe and painless and can help restore your pet’s oral health.
Preventive Care
In addition to checkups and vaccines, pets also need to be on a regular preventative care schedule for things like heartworm prevention and tick and flea control. And if your pet ever gets sick or injured, you’ll need to take them to the vet for treatment.
Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially fatal, problem in pets, caused by a worm that lives in the heart and lungs. The worms are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworm disease is most common in dogs, but can also occur in cats. Cats are much more resistant to heartworm infection than dogs, and may not show any signs of disease even if they are infected.
Heartworm disease can be prevented by using a monthly heartworm preventative medication. The medication kills the heartworm larvae before they can mature and cause disease. It is important to use the medication as directed, every month, to provide continuous protection.
Tick and flea control is also important for preventing disease.
Ticks can transmit a number of serious diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. Fleas can transmit the bacteria that cause bubonic plague. There are a number of different products available for controlling ticks and fleas, including topical medications, collars, and tablets. It is important to use a product that is effective against both ticks and fleas and to use it as directed.
Owning a pet is a big commitment, but it’s also a very rewarding experience. By providing your pet with the proper veterinary care, you can help keep them healthy and happy for years to come. If you have any questions about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to ask your vet. He or she will be happy to help you keep your pet healthy and happy.
