5 Preventative Pet Health Steps to Take This Year

Preventative medicine is the best medicine! Preventing a problem in the first place is always more favorable than dealing with one after the fact. This new year, make a resolution to keep your pet healthy—use these tips from a Tipp City, OH veterinarian.

If your pet isn’t already wearing seasonal or year-round pest-control products to ward off fleas, ticks, worms, and the like, it’s time to act. It’s much easier and less worrisome to prevent the infestations and infections these pests lead to rather than eradicate them. Talk to your veterinarian about getting your pet on topical or oral medications—it’s one of the best things you’ll ever do for your four-legged friend!

Make sure your pet is vaccinated against dangerous and contagious illnesses like parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, distemper, calicivirus, and rabies. Certain pets may also benefit from vaccination against Lyme disease, the Bordetella virus, and other diseases. It can be costly, time-consuming, and heart-wrenching trying to rid your pet of these illnesses down the road, so it’s best to prevent them ahead of time via simple vaccinations.

Here’s a preventative healthcare measure you may not have considered: a great diet. By feeding your pet a quality kibble in proper portion sizes, you’re providing all essential nutrients they need to live a happy, healthy life without contributing to obesity. If you’d like a recommendation on a great food type, as well as information on the proper portion size for your dog or cat, call your vet’s office for help.

Coupled with a great diet, exercise is key to making sure your pet stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible. It will keep all bodily functions in tip-top shape, and it will allow your pet to burn excess calories and get out pent-up energy. Play with toys and go through walks or jogs through the neighborhood—your pet will thank you!

It’s important to remember that office visits are a key preventative healthcare measure. They allow your vet to catch any health concerns early on, treating them effectively before problems are allowed to advance. Have your pet visit the office at least twice per year.

We look forward to serving all of your pet-care needs in 2017 and beyond. If your beloved companion needs veterinary attention, make an appointment to see your Tipp City, OH vet today!