Caring for a pet goes beyond feeding and sheltering; it also involves taking proactive measures to ensure their overall well-being. Pets are susceptible to various diseases, but with consistent at-home care and regular veterinary exams, many ailments can be prevented or caught early. Our Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic team offers a comprehensive approach that helps pets lead healthier, longer lives and owners avoid bills for costly treatments. Our team explores common diseases in pets and the wellness strategies to keep them at bay.
The importance of wellness exams
Wellness care encompasses your furry friend’s annual (or more frequent) exams with our Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic veterinarian. During these exams, your pet will receive core vaccines, such as those for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent diseases in pets and stop their spread through the pet population. Our team will tailor your pet’s vaccination schedule to their lifestyle, location, exposure risk, health, and other vital factors.
Additionally, our team will order blood tests to screen for diseases, including diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. Early detection can stop the progression of these diseases and allow for better treatment and management.
At-home wellness care for your pet
Pet owners can play a pivotal role in preventing common pet diseases. Excellent at-home care can contribute to your four-legged friend’s complete health and wellness. Consider the following steps:
- Balanced nutrition — Choose a high-quality pet food suitable for your pet’s breed, size, and age, and feed them the correct portion each day. Diet contributes to health and can prevent health conditions related to obesity, allergies, and oral issues from developing.
- Regular exercise — Movement is a must for all pets, whether they’re walking, running, or playing fetch. Regular exercise helps prevent obesity and related joint problems.
- Oral hygiene — Most pets over age 3 have some form of periodontal disease, a painful condition that leads to tooth decay and systemic infections that harm the heart, liver, and kidneys. Daily toothbrushing, dental exams, and professional dental cleanings are your furry friend’s best defense against dental disease and other conditions related to poor oral hygiene.
Parasitic diseases in pets
Several diseases in pets are transmitted through parasites, such as heartworms, fleas, and ticks. These illnesses are preventable with annual parasite screening, deworming, and preventive medications prescribed by our veterinary team. Common problematic parasites include:
- Fleas — Fleas can cause flea allergy dermatitis and transmit tapeworms.
- Ticks — These arachnids can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
- Heartworms — Dirofilaria immitis, transmitted by mosquitoes, cause this severe condition affecting the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
- Roundworms — Roundworms are intestinal parasites that can cause malnutrition and intestinal obstruction.
- Hookworms — These intestinal parasites can cause anemia and gastrointestinal issues.
- Whipworms — Whipworms can cause diarrhea and weight loss.
- Tapeworms — Tapeworms attach to the intestines and are often transmitted by fleas.
- Giardia — Often found in water and soil, Giardia is a protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal upset.
- Coccidia — These microscopic parasites can cause severe diarrhea, especially in young pets.
Regular veterinary exams, parasite prevention measures, and a clean environment are essential for preventing these diseases in pets.
Recognizing early signs of disease in pets
Any behavioral or physical health changes in your furry friend should be a red flag and prompt you to seek veterinary attention. Early detection and intervention can help prevent or mitigate illnesses and diseases.
Common signs of disease in pets include:
- Lethargy
- Changes in appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Disinterest in exercise or interaction
- Difficulty in eliminating
- Increased vocalization
The role of wellness care in preventing diseases in pets
Wellness care can help prevent pet diseases by focusing on early detection and proactive management of potential health issues. Regular veterinary exams allow for timely vaccinations, parasite prevention, and monitoring of a pet’s overall health. Wellness care also includes ensuring your pet receives the proper nutrition, appropriate exercise, and mental enrichment that will help them lead a happier, healthier life.
Contact our Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic team for additional tips on pet wellness care.
Leave A Comment