Even if your pet isn’t in ill health, you should still be bringing it to the veterinarian annually for a checkup, a dental exam and a good cleaning, and any vaccines or medicines that should be administered annually. Going to the veterinarian yearly can help make sure that you know that your pet has a clean bill of health and note things that may need to change in the coming year, just like going to the doctor every year helps humans stay aware of any health issues. If you have a young kitten or puppy, they should be in to the veterinarian for vaccines every month or so until they are 16 weeks of age. If you have an older pet, you should consider bringing your pet in twice a year instead of the usual once a year checkup.

Pet Dental Health? Really?

Yep! Your pets’ teeth are just like human teeth, in the respect that they too need regular cleanings and exams. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t take this into consideration and don’t ensure that their pets’ teeth are kept regularly clean, which can lead to problems for the pet down the road. Indeed, the estimate is that around 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some kind of periodontal disease by the age of three. This can cause abscesses, loose teeth, and chronic pain. Pets may even start to lose their teeth and even loose teeth can cause difficulty when eating or chewing. Your pet may be in pain without even realizing it.

There are some pet foods, treats, and chew toys that can help keep their teeth clean, and your veterinarian may be able to recommend some of these. Dental care is often included in veterinary services, so be sure to be bringing your pet in at least once a year. And, if you’re really dedicated, one good brushing a day of your dog’s teeth will do the trick nicely as well.

Why Is Bringing My Pet In For Checkups Regularly Important?

Having your dog or cat examined yearly can stop anything serious in its tracks early. You might be able to catch a tumor before it gets serious and requires a trip to the animal hospital or pet surgery, which is no fun for anyone. Catching heartworm or other types of worms early can save your pet serious pain and limit the amount of time they need to be on medicine and reduce their recovery time. Your veterinarian can also tell you if you need to watch your pet’s weight, monitor their blood pressure, do a thorough bath and grooming, and just generally get your pet into tip-top shape.

Of course, if you see symptoms that might signify something more serious, like signs of cancer in pets, you want to bring your pet in immediately. Don’t wait on something like that if your next annual check-up is far off.

What are Signs of Cancer in Pets?

Sometimes it can be difficult to diagnose something more serious in pets unless it’s quite developed. But if you’re worried, here are some common signs of cancer in pets.

  • If your pet is limping or seems to be in pain, but there’s no obvious injury, that could be a warning flag.
  • Any changes in your pet’s urine or feces. Blood is never good.
  • Change in energy or mood. If your pet seems depressed or more tired than usual, head to the veterinarian.
  • Change in appetite or sudden weight loss. If your pet loses their appetite or starts eating way more than usual, get that checked out.
  • Unusual lumps are always a tell-tale sign that something is wrong and usually the easiest to discover
Make sure that you’re doing right by your pet and bringing them to the veterinarian at least once a year. It’s worth checkup to keep your pet in the best shape and learn about anything you should be doing differently to keep your pet happy and healthy. Of course, if something more serious comes up, like noticing signs of cancer in pets, don’t wait!