4 Key Health Checks Every Pet Owner Should Know About

Being a responsible pet owner, your pet’s health might be your first priority. For your pet’s wellness, it’s necessary to have regular health checks, which ensure the overall well-being of your pet. When you do regular health checks, it identifies any problematic issues for your pet early on, and you can address them to prevent major issues. It’s crucial for a longer and happier life for the pet. You should perform such checks every week and keep a record of any changes in your pet. Here are some key health checks that every pet owner should be aware of.

Annual Physical Examinations

Many aspects of your pet’s health can be monitored through a full-body physical examination. That’s why you should take your pet to an experienced veterinarian for a full-body physical examination. During a physical examination, they can assess your pet’s weight, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. They can also check your pet’s face, eyes, ears, and skin to see if there are any abnormalities in them. This is how they can identify any signs of disease, such as lumps and bumps. When you opt for physical check-ups, you can make sure that your pet is safe from diseases.

Dental Health Checks

Per owners usually overlook the dental checks. They are as important as the other health checks. Just like humans, your pet’s gums can get diseased, or their teeth can decay. That’s why you should take them to a vet for a proper check-up of their teeth. Your vet can also perform professional dental cleaning and can provide advice on how to maintain your pet’s dental hygiene at home. This home dental care may include brushing your pet’s teeth and using dental chews. Regular gentle brushing is advised to prevent tartar buildup and to prevent any gum diseases. 

Vaccinations

Vaccinations for your pet are really essential to keep them safe from contagious diseases that can be severe or even fatal. You should opt for the core vaccines that are essential for every pet, whether you have a cat or a dog. These vaccines include rabies, parvovirus, and distemper. Your vet can recommend a vaccination schedule based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health status. When you act upon the provided vaccination schedule and keep your pet up to date with vaccinations, it can help you ensure their better health. You can also prevent the spread of diseases to other animals. 

Internal Organs Check

Not only are physical examinations responsible for the better well-being of your pet, but the examination of the internal organs is also important. It’s because there might be underlying issues in your pet that can’t be examined through physical checks. That’s where you need advanced diagnostic tests to detect any abnormalities in the internal organs of pets. One such test is a pet ultrasound. This non-invasive procedure allows veterinarians to see the internal organs and identify problems that may not be visible during a regular checkup. It can indicate conditions like tumors, kidney disease, or heart problems. So, don’t hesitate to do such a procedure on the recommendation of your vet.