Pets are more similar to us than we think.
They love to relax on a lazy Sunday and do nothing but watch Netflix originals. They enjoy the simple pleasures of a warm blanket and a long nap. They even have a similar sense of humor (when’s the last time your cat got a kick out of pranking you?). Sadly, too many owners overlook these similarities and forget that their pets need basic healthcare needs. This includes not just finding the right food, but providing vaccinations and pet dental exams.
It’s time to step up your pet owner game. Here are a few things you should be keeping in mind for 2019 so your cat or dog can be at their healthiest!
Did You Know?
Before we launch into the ins and outs of a pet dental exam…what do you know about pets in the United States? According to a recent survey most households in the country have at least one pet. Around 45% of these households have a dog, with dogs and cats one of the most popular pet combos. Around 38 million households own cats, to boot. When it comes to keeping your animal healthy, you need to focus on good daily habits and yearly trips to the animal care clinic…even if you think everything’s fine!
Periodontal Disease Is A Common Issue Facing Dogs And Cats
This might come as a surprise, but dogs and cats need regular brushing. While they don’t need flossing (the gaps in-between their teeth are large enough not to need it), brushing can help prevent periodontal disease. This is a condition that causes sensitive, inflamed gums that, when left unchecked, start to bleed. While today’s veterinarians regularly explain the importance of brushing, 65% of pet owners still don’t brush their pet’s teeth. Just brushing your pet’s teeth for a minute or two every day can make a huge difference.
Vaccines Are Necessary To Keep Painful Conditions At Bay
A pet dental exam can help you figure out if your pet’s been falling behind in the oral hygiene department. What about those vaccinations, though? If you got your dog or cat at a young age they might already have it, but it never hurts to check. Puppy vaccines need to be administered several times, so make sure not to miss any appointments so you can set up your furry friend for success. Heartworm is the most common illness faced by dogs and cats today. A single worm can make a cat sick, though a dog might have a few dozen before they start to show symptoms.
Don’t Forget To Spay Or Neuter Your Animal
What else should you ask your local veterinary clinic? Make sure you don’t have to worry about surprise litters! Cats and dogs as young as five months old can still get pregnant. Fortunately for you, kittens and puppies are able to be spayed or neutered when they reach two months old. With over 75 million pet dogs in the United States and counting, preventing the probability of a litter will go a long way in keeping numbers low and supplies from becoming strained.
A Trip To The Vet Twice A Year Will Keep Everyone Happy
Last, but not least…just swing by your local vet clinic and ask for a check-up twice a year. This is especially important for puppies and very old dogs, as they have unique needs not quite faced by their middle-aged counterparts. A vet can check your pet’s teeth, double-check any available vaccinations, and provide you additional resources for long-term health. Think a pet grooming session or a change in diet. Little by little, your local low cost vet will provide your furry friend with all they need to live a long and happy life.
Pets want to feel good, too. What could a quick pet dental exam or grooming session do to help them glow?