Expert advice: Why yearly pet checks are important

By Kylie Mackay from Northshore Pet Resort

As loved members of our families, it’s vital we keep the health of our pets in check so we can enjoy many years of their company. Unlike less furry members of the family, pets can’t tell us when they aren’t feeling well.

It’s our responsibility as owners to ensure they’re healthy and take a proactive approach to their health care. Doing this not only leads to healthier outcomes for your pet but can also save you from costly vet visits in the future.

It’s recommended your pet should visit the vet at least once a year, for a variety of reasons:

• Pets age much quicker than humans, so their health can change significantly in 12 months. The risk of serious conditions including, cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, and heart disease, increases with age.
• Your vet can review your pet’s weight and dental health and recommend steps to get a head-start on preventative care.
• Regular visits help to nurture a positive relationship with your vet and minimise the chance your pet will associate a visit to the vet with a negative experience and as a result they will be less stressed during visits.
• Stay up to date with vaccinations. Vaccinations help to protect pets from contracting dangerous and sometimes fatal diseases.
• Your vet will recommend flea and tick prevention measures.
• Your pet’s skin, coat and teeth will also be checked for any signs of poor condition or infection.

During the check-up, discuss the following topics with your vet:

• Diet
• Exercise
• Water consumption/thirst
• Behaviour and habits
• Bowel movements
• Overall lifestyle
• General health
• Any concerns you may have, or obvious changes to their behaviour, appetite, or appearance

After collecting that information, the vet will perform a physical examination, looking at the joints, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, and other areas for signs of any health problems.

A regular visit to the vet will also help your pet live a healthier life and provide you with valuable information and care to help prevent future medical problems that can lead to costly bills and unhappy pets.

It’s up to us as owners to ensure our fur kids are healthy so they can live long, happy lives with us.

Our expert, Kylie Mackay, is from Northshore Pet Resort.