By: Dr
Jennifer Creed
Why It’s Important to Schedule a Yearly Veterinarian Checkup
Introduction •
One of the costliest aspects of being a pet owner is providing proper veterinary care when medical issues arise. A great way to take a bite out of veterinary expenses without shortchanging your pet’s health is to provide preventive care with annual comprehensive wellness examinations.
Reasons to Get an Annual Veterinary Check-Up for Your Pet • • • • • •
Save Money Consistent Health Once a Year Healthy Weight Dental Care Senior Pets
Save Money •
Believe it or not, visiting a Southeastern Massachusetts veterinarian can actually save you money. Early treatment options for certain conditions, ailments, and diseases are often much more affordable than emergency services or extensive treatments due to advanced disease. Speak with your local vet to find out how often you need to bring your pet in for a veterinary check-up based on your pet’s age, condition, and needs.
Consistent Health •
Regular check-ups mean consistent health. While you may spend time with your pet each day, you are not trained to notice subtle differences that could signal a problem. Weight fluctuations, behavioral issues, problems with urinating or defecating – these are all things that your vet needs to know. Regular veterinary care in Massachusetts can help keep your pet healthy year-round.
Once a Year •
Because our pets age faster than people, when you miss an annual check-up, it’s actually as though your pet missed several years of veterinary check-up appointments. As your pet ages, their needs will change. Exercise, lifestyle, and dietary changes need to occur on schedule to prevent injuries or health problems later in life. Your veterinarian can answer any questions that you might have and provide you with valuable advice.
Healthy Weight •
It isn’t always easy for us to know if our pets are over or under the normal weight. Regular veterinary check-up appointments can help us stay on top of our pet’s needs to know if dietary changes should be made. You can get advice about pet food brands, feeding amounts, exercise, and treats when you visit your local vet.
Dental Care •
Many pet owners believe that crunchy treats and dry food are all that is needed to keep teeth healthy and strong. The truth is that dental disease can begin working on pets before they are even a year old. Home cleaning is important, but regular check-ups with a Southeastern Massachusetts veterinarian trained in veterinary dental care is key.
Senior Pets •
If your pet is older, veterinary care in Massachusetts is even more important. Their skin and coat can become dry, joints can become sore, and other issues can begin to occur. Senior pets can require more than one veterinary check-up per year, depending on their condition. Regular visits can help to keep your pet healthy and happy for many more years to come.
• Dr Jennifer Creed is a doctor of veterinary medicine who provides the useful steps of Veterinarian checkups which will provide the help to pets living a longer and healthier life.