AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE.

You’ve undoubtedly heard the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Without question, this holds true when it comes to our beloved pets. In fact, the cost of prevention is much less than the cost of treating a disease or illness, especially one in its advanced stages.

At Belleview Veterinary Hospital, Drs. Cara Oliver and Rick Erwin take a multi-faceted approach that includes evaluation of a pet’s overall health and risk of disease or other health problems. Over time, they monitor and track all facets of a pet’s wellness, including dental care, parasite control, nutrition, and vaccinations.

“It’s all about keeping pets healthy and happy,” said Dr. Oliver, a veterinarian of 15 years. “Through preventive care, we can help save pets from needless suffering and save pet owners from large financial burdens.”

She is particularly adamant about heartworm prevention. After all, a single mosquito bite can prove fatal to your pet.

“Heartworm prevention also eliminates intestinal parasites such as hookworms and roundworms,” she said. “They are both zoonotic diseases, which means they can be contagious to humans and especially children.”

Dr. Oliver also recommends a yearly blood profile to monitor your pets overall health. We are able to evaluate liver and kidney function, monitor glucose levels and health and function of the red and white blood cells in the body.

“By doing this annually, we’re able to see minor changes in a pet’s organ function before it becomes apparent on the outside. If need be we can put your pet on a nutritional supplement or nutraceutical and effectively treat the problem before it worsens.”

Flea and tick control is another preventive measure that Dr. Oliver says is vitally important.

“Ticks carry a lot of diseases that can cause your pet to become very sick. Fleas are rampant in Florida and cause death in many animals. Fleas can cause your pet to become so anemic they cannot survive without a blood transfusion. Fleas are a major cause of skin disease in pets in Florida and cause severe secondary skin infections that can easily be prevented with monthly flea control.”

Another component of preventive health care is making sure pets maintain healthy body weights. An obese animal has potential risk for joint disease, heart disease, respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

“When it comes to the longevity and health of your pet, preventive health care is extremely important,” she said. When animals do not receive the recommended routine care required to maintain a healthy active lifestyle through their early years, they are more susceptible to illness and premature aging complications into their golden (geriatric) years that can significantly shorten their lifespan.

The practice is located at 10725 SE 36th Ave in Belleview. For more information, call 352.347.3900.