Taking care of a pet can be astonishingly rewarding, but it also comes with obligations. Establishing a routine wellness plan is essential to protect your pet’s health. Pet wellness plans offer comprehensive health care and protection against common diseases and parasites affecting pets. Here, we will explain why pet wellness plans are so important and what they include.
What happens during pet routine exams?
The foundation of any pet wellness plan is routine exams. During these exams, veterinarians will try to get to know your pet, assess their overall health, talk about any preventative measures they need to take and answer every question you may have about their health. Some things that will be covered during the course of regular exams consist of the following:
- Checking for indications of dental disease or other oral issues.
- Evaluating vision and hearing.
- Examining the ears for signs of infection.
- Checking for indication of parasites or fleas in the coat or skin.
- Conducting blood tests to check organ function and search for any underlying health-related conditions.
- Taking urine samples to check kidney function/urinary tract infection risk.
In addition to discussing pet routine exams with your vet, you should also bring up the possibility of dog or cat surgery if the need arises.
What makes parasite prevention a vital part of a pet’s life?
Parasites are one of the most common ailments in pets and can cause serious illness if not dealt with properly. That is why regular veterinary checkups are vital to any pet owner’s routine.
Depending on where you live, certain parasites may be much more common than others; your vet will work with you to determine which preventative measures are best for your pet based on their age, breed, lifestyle, and location. Common parasites include:
Fleas
It is a parasite that feeds on the blood of birds and mammals. Fleas can rapidly spread throughout your home if left with no treatment.
Ticks
Ticks are external parasite that consumes the blood of mammals. People and pets are at risk of falling victim to several serious health conditions as a result of this organism.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are little, extremely contagious, and live inside mammals’ ears. Throughout their lives, they reproduce continuously.
Heartworm
The parasitic roundworm is thread-like and spreads by means of mosquito bites. Heartworm infects pets through their hearts, lungs, and blood vessels.
Hookworms
Hookworms live in cats and dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts and feed on blood. A severely infected animal can pose a serious threat, leading to anemia.
Roundworm
Roundworms are intestinal worms that feed on partially digested components of the intestine. Pets can be deprived of essential nutrients to maintain a good healthy condition.
Tapeworm
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that live and grow in your pet’s intestines. Tapeworms are transmitted by consuming infected fleas while grooming.
Whipworm
This parasitic worm is spread by ingesting soil contaminated by the feces of an infected dog. Dogs are at risk of severe health issues.
All these parasites require various treatments, so you must visit veterinary clinics like Spring Animal Hospital to provide you with preventive measures that will suit your pet’s needs.
Conclusion
A pet wellness plan is a great way to ensure your pet stays healthy for years. With regular check-ups, you can detect potential health concerns early and get the most reliable advice from an expert. Plus, parasite prevention treatments can help protect your pet from common ailments that may otherwise go undetected.
The benefits of developing a good relationship with your veterinarian and investing in a comprehensive wellness plan are well worth the cost, as they keep your furry buddies healthy and happy throughout their lives.