Here is our Top 5 Checklist to Ensure Your Pets Stay Healthy

October is Pet Wellness month! It’s the perfect time to learn how you can be sure your pet remains in great health, year after year. Many pets will show no outward signs of disease or illness, so it’s up to us to be proactive and take preventative measures to give our fur babies the highest quality of life. 

Here are some ways to honor your pet by making sure that they’re healthy and happy:

• Annual Wellness Exam
• Annual Dental Cleaning
• Daily Exercise
• Pet Safe-Proofing your Environment
• Routine maintenance: nail trimming, ear cleaning, bathing / grooming

Regular Wellness Exams 

Wellness Exams are one of the most important ways to be sure that your seemingly well pet is actually healthy. They may also be called “check-ups” or “physical exams” but the focus is always on the maintenance of optimal health. 

During a pet’s younger years, they may need monthly wellness checks, although annual or semi-annual exams are typically the norm. For senior pets and geriatric dogs, as well as pets with particular health conditions, more frequent exams are recommended. 

During a routine wellness exam, the veterinarian will physically examine your pet, and they may also examine a fecal or urine sample, do blood work, radiographs, and run any additional tests they may see fit. 

Dental Cleanings 

Have you ever had a toothache that hurt so badly you just wanted to pull the tooth out yourself? Our pets experience the similar dental disease as us humans, and the pain that comes along with it. And just like with humans, the #1 way to avoid bigger dental issues is by routine teeth cleaning. 

A dental cleaning visit with your veterinarian will include a thorough dental examination, anesthesia and associated pre-op blood work, teeth cleaning, and polishing to remove the tartar and periodontal disease-causing plaque.

The treatment your pet may require will be discussed with you after the cleaning once each tooth and the gums have been checked. It can be difficult to predict the extent of dental disease in advance of the procedure, so your veterinarian may contact you during the procedure to discuss any additional treatment or extractions that may be necessary.

Exercise More! 

The growing trend of obesity isn’t limited to just humans! The majority of cats and dogs in the United States are obese as well, so now is the perfect time to get moving with your furry friend. Establish a new exercise routine, and try it out for a couple of months. Consider scheduling a visit with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate exercise schedule and plan for your pet’s specific age, breed and needs. 

Pet-Proof the Home and Surrounding Environment

Poisoning from common household items is a frequent issue we get in our clinics. Things we use in our daily lives that are harmless to us, can be toxic to our pets so it’s important to pet-proof your home and make sure that anything potentially harmful is out of reach when you aren’t at home with your pets.

Here are some of the most common household items that can be dangerous to pets: 

• Over-the counter and prescription medications
• People food that is harmful to pets 
• Chocolate
• Cleaners and other household products
• Pool chemicals and supplies
• Rodenticides
• Insecticides
• Plants 
• Lawn and garden products 
• And even back-to-school supplies from your children’s backpacks!

Bonus Tips 

It may also be a great time to:

• Get your pet microchipped
• Schedule an Ear Cleaning Appointment 
• Bathe Your Pet (but don’t overdo it, once a month is recommended for most pets)
• Tend to Your Pet’s Nails
• Sign up for Pet Insurance

While all of these things are great in ensuring your pet lives a long and healthy life, the most important thing you can do is spend quality time with them. Interaction is important for your pet’s mental, physical and emotional health. Pets that don’t receive enough interaction or physical activity may develop bad habits out of boredom. 

Spending more time with your pet means becoming more in tune with them and being able to quickly notice any slight or sudden changes in their behavior, physical appearance or overall general health. 

Our furry companions depend on us for their safety, and it’s up to us not to let them down. We must be proactive in taking steps to ensure their health and wellness. 

Celebrate your pet and do your part by scheduling your October Pet Wellness Exam today (Free Exams for first-time clients!)  We offer real-time online booking. 

Click Here to Book an Appointment

Need to schedule a Wellness Exam for an exotic pet? Northwest Pet Hospital is now seeing exotics! Call now to schedule an appointment (702) 874-4562