Pets age faster than humans, so they must visit their vet more frequently. This is not a true statement, but many people believe that one year in a pet’s life is equivalent to seven years in a human life. Due to how dogs reach adulthood, a year on a dog’s calendar may 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, specifically dogs and cats, age more quickly than humans. If we have a regular dog checkup and blood testing once a year, it amounts to providing our pets with the same preventive health care every four or five years. Due to the rapid pace at which dogs and cats get older, it’s essential to get preventative medical care.

Here are some of the reasons preventive care guidelines are essential for the elderly pet:

Routine Check-Ups

Veterinarian check-ups are recommended at least every year, at least twice for even the healthiest pet. If you have a geriatric dog in O’Fallon that has problems with their health, more frequent visits from might be needed. The signs of arthritis, skin infections, vision problems, heart murmurs, and arrhythmias are only a few symptoms a thorough physical examination can detect. These symptoms may indicate the presence or severity of an illness and require additional tests or indicate the need to take painkillers or preventatives for ticks and fleas.

Lab Tests

At least once per year, or at least twice per year, a stool sample must be screened for intestinal parasites. Urinalysis, a complete blood count, a chemical panel, pet diagnostic imaging, and a thyroid screening must be carried out regularly to detect organ dysfunction in the earliest stages. In the event of a diagnosis, it could be necessary to perform tests more frequently. Dogs living in tick-infested areas might benefit from testing for Lyme disease and other infections spread by ticks.

Dental Maintenance

It’s well-known that a pet’s oral health reflects overall health; consequently, regular dental treatment is crucial. Bacteria that trigger periodontal diseases can infiltrate the bloodstream and get to vital organs such as the kidneys and heart, where they can do severe damage. While most pets need their teeth professionally cleaned at least once yearly, older pets and breeds more susceptible to developing periodontal diseases may benefit from twice-yearly visits to the dentist. Regular dental cleanings will help your cat’s or dog’s teeth last longer and look more attractive.

The health of your mouth can be evaluated through dental radiography. This non-invasive procedure helps detect dental problems beneath the gum line and additional issues like tooth abscesses, jaw fractures, foreign bodies, etc.

Vaccinations

When it comes to immunizations, you can choose between two categories: mandatory shots or elective ones. Rabies, distemper, FLV, and canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus-2 immunizations are recommended for all healthy dogs. Vaccination against kennel cough and canine influenza is also suggested for dogs that may encounter these diseases.

Background

Talking about your pet’s home life can give your vet an overall idea of its overall health. Changes in your pet’s health may occur so gradually that you are only aware of them after being asked specific questions. The history check will guide your veterinarian on an even more thorough diagnostic pathway to improve the health and health of your pets.

Conclusion

Veterinarians cannot know how their pet patients are doing or what may be causing harm to them because they can’t communicate with them. In addition, canines tend to conceal their illnesses since doing so would make them more vulnerable to attack by predators. That’s why regular check-ups by veterinarians are essential for canine health, primarily through their older years.

Because your veterinarian can’t simply look at your pet’s health and assess its health status, additional tests like urine and blood tests are necessary to determine all the information. In the event of identifying issues, the earlier treatment is more efficient and less costly, and your pet will enjoy a longer, healthier life thanks to these preventative actions.