If you’re a pet parent, keeping your furry friend healthy is a priority. But even if you provide perfect care, there are certain issues that can go undetected without the help of a professional. To help catch animal health problems early on—and prevent them entirely—it is essential that you and your pet visit a vet every year. Providing complete pet services on Oahu, HI, Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic highlights five of the most important reasons why your creature companion should have a yearly checkup.

5 Ways Your Pet Can Benefit From an Annual Vet Checkup

1. Immunization

Your vet will be able to tell you when your dog or cat needs their next vaccination—and possibly take care of it during the appointment. This routine care could save your pet from a variety of life-threatening illnesses, including rabies.

2. Dietary Wellness

Since you spend so much time with your animal, it may be hard to tell if they have gained or lost weight within the span of a year. During the wellness exam, the vet will assess your pet to determine if they are at a healthy weight. If they weigh too much—or too little—the doctor will offer some ways you can improve their diet to help.

3. Parasite Protection

From tapeworms to ticks, there are many types of parasites that can impact your pet’s health. But while these tiny organisms can make a big impact, they aren’t always so easy to spot. As part of the routine check-up, your vet will look for signs of infection and offer solutions if there is a problem.

4. Joint Health

Due to arthritis and bone loss, it’s common for animals to experience joint problems as they age. Your vet will check the function of your pet’s limbs to ensure that their joints are in a healthy condition. If they are starting to wear, they can offer advice on how to limit stress to the animal’s body to reduce pain and mobility issues.

5. Dental Care

Animals are great at hiding pain—even if they are dealing with a serious tooth infection caused by decay. Fortunately, veterinarians understand how to assess animal teeth to make sure there is no infection that could put their health at risk. If necessary, they may recommend surgery or restorative techniques to reduce dental health risks.

If it’s time for you to schedule a vet visit on Oahu, the animal doctors at Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic can provide the comprehensive care your companion needs to stay happy and healthy. Providing exceptional health care for dogs and cats for nearly 30 years, these pet doctors deliver expertise that you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call a friendly team member at (808) 625-6744.