The Importance of Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Pets are more than just furry friends; they are family members. Looking after a pet is a huge responsibility, and providing them with adequate veterinary care is vital to keeping them well-balanced and cheerful. From vaccinations to dental treatment, veterinary care is needed for your pet’s well-being.

What happens during a puppy or kitten’s first visit to the veterinarian?

A puppy or kitten’s first trip to the vet is extremely important. During this visit, your vet is going to do a complete physical examination to assess your pet’s overall health. This includes checking their eyes, ears, heart rate, and weight. The veterinarian will also discuss any other inquiries you may have relating to diet, habits, and preventive puppy or kitten vet care in Stockton, like microchipping and spaying/neutering.

Why do pets need protection and prevention?

An excellent method to keep your pet healthier is by preventing health issues before they begin, which indicates taking advantage of preventive measures like kitten or puppy vaccinations, flea/tick preventives, heartworm prevention medications, and more. Vaccinations are crucial as they help protect pets from dangerous and potentially life-threatening diseases like rabies and distemper. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian regarding what vaccines your pet needs basing on age and lifestyle.

Cat Vaccinations

Cats must be vaccinated against several common illnesses, including:

  • FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus Panleukopenia) vaccine protects against four different infections that can lead to upper respiratory infections in cats.
  • Rabies vaccination is mandated by law in the majority of states for cats over 12 weeks old.
  • FeLV (feline leukemia virus) vaccine is also highly recommended for cats who go outdoors or interact with other animals on a regular basis. It helps protect them from the virus, which can cause feline cancer.

Dog Vaccinations

Like cats, pet dogs need to have vaccinations too. Most puppies must receive core vaccines like:

  • DHPP (distemper parvo hepatitis) helps protect against several viruses that can cause severe illness in dogs, such as distemper virus, parvovirus, and bordetella bronchiseptica, which can trigger kennel cough in dogs that hang around at daycare facilities or dog parks.
  • Rabies vaccination is also required by law for all pet dogs over 12 weeks old.

Why is veterinary dentistry important?

Dental hygiene is essential not just for humans but also for our beloved pets. Poor dental hygiene results in serious health conditions like gum disease, which can cause tooth loss and pain when eating or drinking because of swollen gums, causing discomfort when chewing solid foods. 

Regular professional cleanings at least once a year are advised for optimal dental health. Still, day-to-day brushing at home, in addition to regular dental chews, can help maintain teeth clean between veterinarian appointments. See here for more details about visiting your veterinary dentist for your pet’s general dental care.

Final Thoughts

As responsible pet owners, we hope for our furry friends around us for many years to come – That is why necessary vet treatment is vital. From vaccines to oral good hygiene measures – all these aspects help ensure our four-legged companions remain healthy throughout their lifetime. Consulting with a veterinarian will often help you learn what type of preventive measures you must take depending on your pet’s age and lifestyle, so do not think twice about booking a consultation today.