As we kick off the new year, many of us are making resolutions and setting goals to improve our health. However, creating healthy habits is just as important for our pets. Our Magnolia Springs Veterinary Center team is here to help you get your pet’s year off to a healthy start. Here are 3 ways you can make a big impact on your pet’s health.
1. Keep Track of Your Pet’s Preventative Needs
Preventative care plays an essential role in maintaining your pet’s long-term health. Important forms of preventative care include vaccination, parasite prevention, and routine dental care.
•Vaccinations:
Vaccinations are critical for preventing diseases that can have devastating impacts on our pet’s health. Young animals require a series of vaccines, while adults require boosters every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine. If you are unsure when your pet is due for their vaccines, we are happy to provide a copy of your pet’s vaccine record and schedule them for any vaccines they may need.
•Parasite Prevention:
Parasite prevention comes in a variety of forms and can help protect your pet against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other potentially harmful parasites. These preventatives must be given on a specific schedule and usually require monthly administration. To help your pet stay on schedule, take a few minutes to write down when your pet is due for any preventative medications or treatments. You may even want to consider creating a reminder on your phone.
•Dental Care:
Routine dental care is essential for preventing tartar buildup and dental disease. Your pet’s dental care should include regular at-home brushing and professional dental cleanings. We typically recommend professional dental cleaning once a year. If your pet is in need of a dental cleaning, please give us a call to set up an appointment.
2. Schedule a Wellness Visit
Another great way to help kick off a healthy year is to schedule your pet’s wellness visit. During this appointment, your pet will receive a complete health assessment and any vaccines they may need. Wellness exams are essential for detecting early signs of disease and monitoring subtle changes to your pet’s health.
For most pets, we recommend annual wellness visits. However, as your pet ages, more frequent wellness visits are recommended to help stay on top of your pet’s changing needs.
3. Spend Some Quality Time with Your Furry Friend
While taking care of your pet’s physical health is important, your pet’s mental and emotional well-being should also be a top priority. When setting goals for the new year, consider scheduling more one-on-one time with your pet. This extra quality time can help improve your pet’s mental health and reduce any anxiety or stress that your pet may be experiencing. It can also help you strengthen the special bond you share with your furry friend.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has given you some ideas on how you can help improve your pet’s health. If you have any additional questions or would like to set up an appointment, please give us a call at 262-770-3106. We look forward to hearing from you and helping your pet have their healthiest year yet!
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