Your pets age at a pace that is faster than us humans. It is vital to see your veterinarian more often than we do. This is an oversimplification; however, many people believe that one year in a pet’s life is the equivalent of seven years in a human life. Because of how canines reach maturity, one year in a dog’s calendar may be equivalent to four to fifteen years in a human’s.
Why Is Preventive Care Important, Especially to Senior Pets?
The most basic fact is that pets, specifically dogs and cats, age more quickly than people. Conducting annual exams for dogs and cats, and blood testing yearly amounts to providing our pets with the same preventive care every four to five years. Due to the rapid pace at which cats and dogs age, it’s vital that they receive preventative medical treatment.
Here are a few reasons the guidelines for preventive care are vital for your pet’s old age:
Routine Check-Ups
Check-ups with a veterinarian are recommended at least every year and, ideally, twice per year, even for the most healthy pet. An elderly pet or one with health problems may require more regular visits. Infections of the skin, arthritis, vision issues, heart murmurs, and arrhythmias comprise a small number of the many changes that a thorough physical examination could detect. These symptoms could indicate the presence or severity of an illness, require further diagnostics, or suggest the necessity for pain relief medications or flea and tick preventatives. Check out this link to learn more about geriatric care for animals.
Lab Tests
Every year, at least At a minimum, and more often than not, twice a year, The stool sample should be checked in the presence of intestinal parasites. Urinalysis, a complete blood count, a chemical panel, and a thyroid screening must be carried out regularly to determine if the organ is dysfunctional in its earliest stages. If there is a diagnosis, it might be necessary to perform tests more frequently from facilities like the in-house diagnostic lab in O’Fallon. Pets living in tick-infested areas may benefit from being tested for Lyme disease and other infections spread by ticks.
Dental Maintenance
It’s well-known that the state of your pet’s teeth reflects its overall health; therefore, regular dental maintenance is crucial. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can get into the bloodstream and spread to vital organs, such as the heart and kidneys, where they could cause significant damage. While most pets need their teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year, seniors and breeds susceptible to developing periodontal diseases may benefit from twice-yearly visits to the dentist. Regularly scheduled dental cleanings can help your dog’s or cat’s teeth last longer and look healthier.
The health of your mouth can be evaluated with dental radiography. This non-invasive technique aids in detecting dental issues under the gum line and other issues like jaw fractures, abscessing of the root foreign bodies, and more.
Vaccinations
When it comes to vaccinations, you have the option of choosing between two types obligatory shots and elective shots. Rabies, distemper FLV, canine parvovirus, and canine adenovirus-2 are required for all healthy dogs. Canines who come into contact with canine or kennel cough influenza must also be vaccinated.
Background
Discussing your pet’s daily life can give your vet an overall picture of its general health. Changes in your pets’ health may occur so gradually that you only become aware of them when confronted with specific concerns. The check of your pet’s history will lead your veterinarian to a more detailed diagnostic path for the wellness and health of your pet.
Conclusion
Veterinarians can’t tell what their dogs are doing or what might hurt them because they can’t speak to their patients. Furthermore, canines are wired to cover their illness because they are more susceptible to being bitten by predators. So, regular visits to vets are essential to canines’ health, specifically during their older years.
Because your veterinarian can’t simply look at your pet and know their health level and how well they are, additional tests such as blood and urine analysis are required to get the whole picture. When you identify issues, early treatments can be more efficient and less costly, and your pet will enjoy a longer, healthier life with these preventative medicine measures.
