Preventative wellness tips from Vetster
Your pet’s health and well-being should be a top priority, though if you can believe it, most people wait until there is a problem before seeking health advice. Here’s why preventative wellness is important and some tips to incorporate into your pet’s daily regime to ensure they are living their healthiest lives!
Why is preventative wellness important?
Preventative care is very important for the health of your pet. Not only can it help to extend the life of your pet, but is also far easier to prevent illnesses than to treat them!
Create a healthy living plan
From behavioral training, weight management, exercise, and nutrition, it is important to take a proactive approach in keeping your pet active and healthy - no matter their life stage.
There is an abundance of meal options you have access to as a pet owner, but knowing what’s best for your pet can be a real challenge. Ensure your pet’s food has a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, which provides the most energy and nutrients for your pet. When in doubt, always consult a veterinary professional to help you choose the right nutrition plan for your pet.
Check-in with a veterinary professional regularly
Ever heard of the terms “dog years” or “cat years”? Our beloved pets age quicker than we humans do, and that’s why they need regular checkups and exams more frequently than humans! Consulting with a veterinarian or technician a few times per year is the best way to ensure your pet stays healthy.
Keep vaccinations up to date
Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventative wellness. Keeping your pet’s vaccines up to date is vital to good health. Pets, like people, can be protected from diseases and illnesses by vaccination. Vaccinations are essential to protecting your furry family member by creating a defensive level of antibodies to build up immunity from communicable diseases. The more you know about vaccinations, the easier it will be to take informed care of your pet.
Book follow-up appointments
If your pet does experience a health concern at some point in their lives, be sure to book a follow-up appointment to track progress and discuss any changes with a professional. Proactive healthcare can ensure your furry friends remain happy and healthy!
Take care of their oral health
Good dental hygiene is key to the physical wellbeing of any pet. There is a direct relationship between a healthy mouth and the health of critical internal organs such as the heart and kidneys. Having healthy teeth and gums is one of the most important ways to help your pet avoid hidden infections and pain. Pets are masters of disguising these symptoms, and taking a proactive approach to oral health care for your pet ensures they don’t suffer in silence from these concerns. For more information on oral health, check out our Importance of Dental Hygiene in Pets article.
Ensure protection from the outdoors
This may seem obvious, but it’s very important! Ensuring your pet has adequate protection from the outdoors is crucial in preventative wellness. Always check that your pet has access to fresh, clean water, shelter, and relief from extreme heat or cold at all times. It’s also important to ensure your pets are protected from parasites and fleas - this can be done through medications prescribed through a veterinarian. Fleas are one of the most common and preventable problems facing pet owners, and so long as owners are proactive in protecting their pets against the elements and the parasites that come with it, pets will be able to enjoy their time outside, with worry-free owners!
Be prepared for any health concerns that may arise with your pet by creating a free Vetster account. It’s one less thing you will have to worry about - we’re here for them, day and night. Connect with a registered veterinary professional in minutes and source quality advice from the comfort of your own home.