What is Pet Preventative Care?

Your family pet’s health care plan should incorporate regular check-ups, dental care, and grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best. Preventive care matters a great deal and good pet preventive care helps maximize our faithful companions’ health, wellness, and quality of life, which is what every pet owner wants for their furry friends.

The team of Veterinarians at Cumberland Animal Hospital will explain that preventative healthcare is truly the best medicine where the health and wellness of your pet is concerned.

 

PREVENTATIVE CARE WILL ENSURE A HAPPY, HEALTHY PET

The focus of a preventive care program is to ensure that your animal is receiving everything they need to live a balanced, healthy life including proper nutrition, good hygiene, and adequate stimulation, as well as early detection of any illness or disease that may be developing. In the prevention of various diseases, early detection makes a significant difference in the scope and effectiveness of treatment.

Most diseases are much easier to treat in the early stages, while some diseases can actually reach a point where treatment is no longer an option. And, unfortunately, cats and dogs are so good at hiding signs and symptoms of disease that by the time symptoms become obvious, it may be too late. This is why regular exams are critically important.

 

ANNUAL WELLNESS EXAM

An annual wellness exam should be performed by the team of veterinarians at Cumberland Animal Hospital. The physical exam is a comprehensive assessment of your pet’s health.

The clinician will review various aspects of your pet’s health, including:

•   Vaccination Status
•   Parasite Control – to include both internal and external parasites
•   Dental Health
•   Nutrition
•   Exercise and Environmental Enrichment
•   Ears and Eyes
•   Internal Organs
•   Behavior
•   Coat and Skin
•   Bloodwork to help assess metabolic function
•   And answer any questions you may have concerning your cat

 

CAT AND DOG ORAL HEALTH

One of the most overlooked features of preventive care for pets is dentistry. Dogs and cats do not tell you when they have oral pain or discomfort. Generally, by three-four years of age, cats and dogs have developed some oral disease that will require veterinary intervention. The majority of dental disease in pets lies underneath the gum line. For this reason, x-rays are required to identify any disease that may be present in the tooth and the root of the tooth which may be a source of chronic pain.

A thorough teeth cleaning is to be completed at the veterinarian office every 6-12 months, but regular brushing or other dental care can be performed at home. You can also help facilitate dental health by providing toys and treats formulated to help strengthen and/or clean your pet’s teeth and gums.

For more information on feline or canine dentistry, ask team of Veterinarians at Cumberland Animal Hospital at your next appointment.

 

FLEA AND TICK PREVENTION

 No matter your geographical location, fleas and ticks can be troublesome.  Fleas can cause severe skin irritation and can infest your home if you do not have a good preventive plan. While less common than fleas, ticks can transmit dangerous and even deadly diseases.

Every year, our veterinarians review all available flea and tick products to ensure that our recommendations are as up to date. We will help you choose the safest, most effective parasite prevention products for your family and pet.

 

HEARTWORM PREVENTION

 Heartworm disease is a serious disease that results in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in pets, mainly dogs, cats, and ferrets. The best treatment is prevention – and year-round prevention is best. Talk to your veterinarian about preventing heartworm disease in your furry friend.

 

CONTACT US TODAY

 The Cumberland Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina understands how important it is to keep our pets safe year-round.  If your pet has any issues, please contact us at 910-822-3337. Cumberland Animal Hospital’s veterinarians in Fayetteville, NC are always available to assist you. Call us to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.