Preventative Pet Care in Golden, CO

What is Preventative Care?

Preventative pet care refers to the proactive measures taken to maintain the health and well-being of your pets and prevent potential health problems. It involves a combination of regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and a healthy lifestyle. Focusing on preventative care can help your pets live longer, healthier lives and reduce the risk of certain diseases and conditions.

What are Pets’ Most Common Health Problems, and What Kind of Preventative Care Measures Can I Take to Keep My Pet Healthy?

• Obesity – To help prevent obesity, make sure your pet maintains a good diet and gets plenty of exercise.  
• Periodontal Disease – The best way to help prevent periodontal (gum) disease is to ensure your pet gets at-home dental care, including brushing teeth, wipes, or chews. Bringing them to the vet for comprehensive oral exams and treatment is also essential.  
• Osteoarthritis – Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best ways to manage and prevent osteoarthritis in pets. Supplements, special diets, pain medication, and physical therapy are proven ways to manage this condition. 
• Allergies – Allergies, resulting in ear infections, anal gland problems, and itchy skin, can be managed with a special diet and allergy medication.

How Often Should I Take My Pet for Checkups and Preventative Screenings?

From birth until seven years old, your pet should see a veterinarian at least once a year. After age seven, bi-annual (every six months) visits are recommended.  

To prepare for your pet’s preventative care appointment, bring all their medical records or let your vet know where they can access them. Remember also to bring a list of all medications and supplements your pet is currently taking. Make sure to note changes in your pet’s demeanor, weight, and activity level, and bring a fecal sample to the appointment.

What Preventative Services are Offered at Convenience Pet Hospitals?

• Vaccines – It’s important to consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet based on age, lifestyle, and potential exposure risks. Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing diseases, promoting the health and well-being of pets, and contributing to the overall welfare of animals and humans.
• Wellness exams – Wellness checkups should be scheduled at least once a year for adult pets and more frequently for seniors or those with ongoing health concerns. By prioritizing wellness exams, you contribute to your pet’s overall health, longevity, and happiness.
• Supplements – Supplements offer many benefits, including nutritional support, joint health, skin and coat health, digestive health, immune system support, and cognitive function. 
• Weight loss assistance –  Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for pets’ health and well-being. Excess weight can lead to various health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, joint problems, and a reduced lifespan. By managing weight effectively, you can help prevent or mitigate these health risks, ensuring a longer and healthier life for your pet.
• Prescription diets – Prescription diets are formulated to address specific health concerns, such as obesity, gastrointestinal issues, kidney disease, urinary tract problems, allergies, and joint health. These diets contain carefully selected ingredients and nutrient profiles to support managing or treating these conditions.
• Parasite testing/prevention – It’s important to work with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate parasite prevention plan for your pet based on their lifestyle, geographic location, and specific parasite risks. Regular testing and preventative measures ensure that your pet stays healthy, comfortable, and free from the harm caused by parasites.
• Dental care – Like humans, pets can develop dental issues such as plaque, tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. Regular dental care helps maintain good oral hygiene and prevents these problems from occurring or progressing. It promotes healthy teeth and gums, reducing the risk of pain, infection, tooth loss, and other oral health complications.
• Bloodwork, fecal analysis, urinalysis, and other standard diagnostics – Diagnostic tests provide a comprehensive assessment of a pet’s overall health status. Bloodwork can evaluate organ function, assess for underlying diseases, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. Fecal analysis helps identify and treat parasitic infections, while urinalysis provides information about kidney health and urinary tract infections or other abnormalities. These tests allow veterinarians to understand your pet’s health better, guiding them in providing the most appropriate care.

Preventative Services at Convenience Pet Hospitals

It’s important to remember that preventative care is crucial to your pet’s well-being because it’s preventative! Avoiding issues before they happen is always the best outcome. By establishing a relationship between your pet and our veterinarians, we can help catch things early on or, in some cases, prevent problems completely. At Convenience Pet Hospitals, we offer quality medicine and have two-way communication methods for questions whenever you have them. Schedule a comprehensive preventative appointment today at our Golden, CO, clinic, and help keep your pet happy and healthy.