The age of your pets is an amount that is greater than that of humans, so they must see their vet more frequently than we do. This is an oversimplification; however, many people believe that one year in a pet’s life is comparable to seven years of a person’s life because of how canines reach the age of adulthood; one year on the calendar of a dog can be equivalent to anywhere between four to fifteen years for a human.
Why Is Preventive Care Important, Especially to Senior Pets?
The most basic fact is that pets, particularly dogs and cats, age faster than humans. If we have a complete physical examination and blood testing every year, it is equivalent to providing our pets with the same preventive health care every four or five years. Because of the speed at which cats and dogs become old, it’s even more vital that they get preventative medical care. Learn more about the importance of preventive care.
Here are a few reasons preventive care guidelines are crucial for the elderly pet:
Routine Check-Ups
Check-ups with a veterinarian are recommended at least once per annual, but ideally twice, even for the most healthy pet. But for veterinary geriatric care, as needed or at least every other month. If your cat or dog is getting old or has problems with their health, more frequent visits may be required. Infections of the skin, arthritis, vision issues, heart murmurs, and arrhythmias are some of the many signs that an extensive physical exam can identify. These symptoms could indicate the presence or severity of an illness, necessitate additional diagnostics, or point to the need for pain relievers or preventatives for ticks and fleas.
Lab Tests
At least every year, at a minimum, and more often than not, twice a year, a stool sample must be examined in the presence of intestinal parasites. Urinalysis, complete blood count, a chemical test, and a thyroid screen should be done regularly to determine if the organ is dysfunctional in the earliest stages. In the event of a diagnosis, it might be necessary to carry out tests more often. Dogs living in areas with ticks might benefit from testing for Lyme disease and other illnesses transmitted by ticks.
Dental Maintenance
It’s widely known that a pet’s oral health determines its overall health. Therefore, regular dental maintenance is necessary. Infections that lead to periodontal illness may enter the bloodstream and get to vital organs like the kidneys and heart, where they can cause severe damage. While most pets need dental cleaning once every year, older pets and breed more susceptible to the disease could benefit from twice-yearly cleanings. Regular dental cleanings will make your pet’s or cat’s teeth last longer and appear more attractive.
Oral health can be assessed with dental radiography. This non-invasive procedure helps detect dental disease under the gum line and additional issues like jaw fractures, abscessing of the root, foreign bodies, and many other things.
Vaccinations
When it comes to immunizations, you can select between two types compulsory shots or elective ones. Rabies, distemper, FLV, canine parvovirus, and canine Adenovirus-2 vaccines are required for all healthy dogs. Dogs that come in contact with a kennel or canine influenza must also be vaccinated.
Background
Discussing your pet’s life at home will give your veterinarian an idea of your pet’s state of health. Changes in your pet’s health can occur slowly, and you are only aware of them once you are requested to answer specific queries. The history check will guide your veterinarian on a more detailed diagnostic path to help you maintain the health of your pets. If you want to know more, feel free to visit O’Fallon veterinary clinic for further information.
Conclusion
Veterinarians cannot know how their pet patients are doing or what could harm them since they cannot speak to them. Furthermore, canines are wired to hide their ailments since this can make them more vulnerable to attack by predators. That’s why regular check-ups by a vet are crucial for the health of canines, especially during their senior years.
Because your veterinarian can’t simply examine your pet and tell how well they’re doing and how well they are, additional tests such as blood and urine analysis are necessary to determine the whole picture. When you identify issues early, the treatment will be more effective and less expensive, and your pet will live longer, healthier lives due to these preventative medicine strategies.