Benefits of Preventive Medicine

A regular physical exam is a gift 🎁 to your pet that will produce tangible benefits to their health and well-being, as well as provide you with potential for cost savings and peace of mind!!

Veterinarians recommend physical exams every six months rather than only annually because pets age 4 – 7 times faster than humans, so a six-month interval for them is equivalent to several years in human terms, allowing health conditions to develop rapidly in a shorter timeframe. Semi-annual exams become more important as your pet enters middle age and are essential for senior pets.

The transition from middle-aged to senior pet occurs around 7 years of age for medium-sized dogs, a year or two earlier for large and giant breeds, and a year or two later for cats and small dogs.

TOP 10 REASONS FOR REGULAR PET PHYSICAL EXAMS

1. Early Disease Detection: Catching illnesses early often means more treatment options, lower costs, better prognosis, improved quality of life, and increased lifespan by addressing small issues before they become big problems.
2. Vaccinations and Preventive Care: Staying current on vaccines and parasite prevention protects your pet from serious and potentially fatal diseases like rabies, distemper, and heart worms — and prevents parasite exposure and infection of your family.
3. Dental Health: Regular exams can prevent painful dental disease, which can lead to infection or impact the heart, kidneys, or liver.
4. Unnoticed Illness or Injury: Pets often mask symptoms; annual exams reveal hidden issues before they worsen.
5. Age-Appropriate Care: As pets age, their needs change. Exams allow the veterinarian to tailor care to your pet’s life stage.
6. Pain Prevention: Pets often hide pain; annual exams help detect and relieve discomfort from conditions like arthritis or injuries.
7. Skin and Coat Issues: Allergies, infections, or parasites are common and may go unnoticed until they cause severe discomfort.
8. Behavior Issues: Many behavioral changes (e.g., aggression, accidents in the house) have medical causes that can be addressed during an exam.
9. Weight Management: Overweight pets face higher risks for diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Annual visits ensure their diet and activity are appropriate.
10. Building a Health History: Regular visits and annual wellness blood work creates a comprehensive medical record that helps in diagnosing and treating future issues more accurately.

HOW OFTEN DOES MY PET NEED A CHECKUP?