This entry was posted on 2021-03-09 by Pet Heaven Store.

The saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly holds true when it comes to pet health. The cost of prevention (e.g. vaccination) is often a fraction of the cost of treating a problem or disease (e.g. Parvo-virus-infection in puppies). Early diagnosis and treatment of developing problems or diseases also increase the likelihood of successful outcomes.

The key benefits of preventative health care are:
1) To prevent disease;
2) To identify potential problems and diseases in early stages and
3) To provide the quality of life you wish to give your pet.

Dr Rouxlene’s 10 Preventative Health Care Guidelines:
1. Annual health examination and vaccinations. Regular clinical checks are an opportunity for the veterinarian to examine your pet from nose to tail and to point out anything that can or needs to be done to maintain your pet's health. Vaccines prevent life-threatening illness (e.g. parvo in dogs; leukemia in cat; rabies in both species).
2. Parasite control. Dogs and cats should be dewormed every 3-6 months. Worms can cause many health problems in pets. They steal much-needed nutrients and can lead to conditions like diarrhea and anemia. Your pet also needs year-round tick and flea treatment. Tick bites can cause Babesiosis/biliary and Ehrlichiosis in dogs and biliary in cats and horses. Hyalomma tick (“bont-pootjies”) bites can also cause massive necrosis of the skin and underlying tissues.
3. Annual dental exam & regular teeth cleaning. Dental disease is the most common disease in pets over 3 year of age. Untreated it leads to pain, tooth loss and potentially life threatening infection of major organs.
4. Microchipping. Pets go missing all the time. Pet identification is a must, but sometimes an ID tag and a collar is not enough. The secure identification provided by a microchip dramatically increases the chance of a successful and stress free reunion.
5. Sterilization of both males and females. Benefits include prevention of serious infections & cancers of the reproductive organs (e.g. mammary and uterine infections and cancers in females and prostate and testicular cancers in males). Of course one of the biggest advantages is the prevention of unwanted litters. Sterilizing or neutering your pet at a young age may also control some of the hormonal urges that lead to undesirable behaviors (e.g. marking, humping, and aggression).
6. Great nutrition. Healthy eating is central to a healthy life for you and your pet. Consider your pet’s individual needs and always feed the best diet you can afford, especially when the animal is still growing (first 12-18 months of age) or a senior (>7 years of age).
7. Pet insurance. Your pet is family, and when the unforeseen happens, we don’t want you worrying about the bill. There are several options available nowadays. Please do your homework and choose a plan that best cover your animal.
8. Grooming. Regular bathing and brushing can help get rid of loose hair, seeds, pollen and dust that cause skin irritation. Grooming is also a great time to check for fleas, ticks, lumps and bumps or sore spots, and get them treated early. Your pet’s nails will require trimming every now and then, even if you walk your dog on concrete or your cat scratches their post a lot.
9. Weight Maintenance. Research has shown that leaner pets live longer and have fewer health problems. Your veterinarian will assign a body condition score to your dog or cat and give you dietary and exercise recommendations to help him maintain a healthy body mass index.
10. Training/behaviour modification. Dog obedience training can ensure your canine is a safe and enjoyable member of your family. From puppy socialization to addressing unwanted behavior in an older dog, your vet or behaviorist can help you achieve a better bond with your furry friend.

The goal of preventative health care is to ensure optimal health for your pet. A healthy and happy canine/feline companion will remain a loyal and loving member of your family for many years to come.