Why is it Important to have an Annual Vet Checkup?
Pet expenditure in the U.S. is almost $70 billion with approximately $30 billion of that going towards pet healthcare. Numbers like that highlight the importance of preventative healthcare for your pets. The earlier you identify potential health concerns, the less you're likely to spend on treatment. One of the best ways you can invest in pet wellness is with annual vet checkups.
But why exactly is an annual checkup so worthwhile? And what does Dr. Jessy check for when she performs an annual exam?
The main benefit of preventative care is catching small health concerns before they become big, potentially expensive problems. Just as you'd go to your dentist for regular checkups, so too should your pet be seen by a veterinarian each year.
A regularly scheduled vet checkup allows the vet to examine your pet "nose to tail" for any potential health concerns. Some issues they check for include:
Mouth, Teeth, and Gum Problems
Pets can have oral health issues just as surely as humans can. At a regular checkup, your vet will look for signs of gingivitis, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Early detection of oral health issues is essential for the health and wellbeing of your pet. Left untreated, your pet may develop oral pain, tooth abscesses, or infection.
Eye and Vision Problems
Preventative care of your pet's eyes is one of the best ways to catch problems like corneal ulcers, dry eyes, cataracts, or glaucoma early. Left unchecked, these conditions can lead to pain, loss of vision, or even the loss of your pet's eye.
Ear and Auditory Problems
During regularly scheduled exams, vets will typically check your pet's ears. This ensures that issues such as ear mites or infection are caught early and treated before they become major problems.
Skin Problems
Skin problems are best caught early, particularly if you have a dog. During an annual checkup, your vet will check your pet's skin for signs of fleas, mites, ticks, allergies, infection, or lumps. Parasites should be treated promptly as they can cause illness in your pet. Skin lesions, lumps, or other skin problems are common signs of illness as well and should be seen to quickly.
Joint Health
Joint health in your pet, particularly if your pet is older, should be regularly assessed. During a regular checkup, your vet will manipulate your pet's joints to help identify early signs of hip dysplasia, degenerative back disease, arthritis, or cancer. Catching these issues early will ensure your pet gets the treatment needed to prevent unnecessary pain or discomfort.
Making pet wellness a priority ensures your pet can live its best life by your side. And one of the best ways to make your pet's health a priority is with regularly scheduled checkups here at the HART Bredel Clinic and Dr. Jessy.
Ready to schedule that annual checkup? Get in touch today and see how we can help your pet stay happy and healthy.