Cat and dog owners sometimes question the necessity of vaccinations and annual pet wellness exams. After all, if your animal is perfectly healthy, do you really need to take them in every year? Truthfully, pets need regular checkups more than people do. They live shorter lives, so it’s important to detect potential problems as early as possible, says the team at Hilton Veterinary Hospital, Monroe County, NY’s leading pet health facility.

Veterinarians look at several factors during a pet wellness exam to ensure your furry friend is in good health. Here are the benefits of setting up yearly appointments:

• Early Detection: Your pet can’t tell you when something is wrong. Changes in their behavior, appetite, or mood may be noticeable, but you won’t know what’s truly ailing them until you get a proper diagnosis from the veterinary hospital. During the appointment, the vet will screen for various health problems. This will allow them to detect issues early on and prevent them from worsening. 
• Physical Wellness: Though they’re a little uncomfortable for your cat or dog, physical checkups are crucial in maintaining your pet’s health. Veterinarians thoroughly examine the oral cavity, lymph nodes, ears, eyes, skin, and coat to assess wellness. They’ll take into account weight and lifestyle changes since your last visit, as well as heart and respiration rates. Based on the pet wellness exam, they can recommend new diets, behavioral tips, dental care, and other advice for a healthier, happier life.
• Preventative Care: Vaccines and boosters are key in stopping the spread of preventable infectious diseases. They’re administered based on your pet’s age, medical history, current health status, and the results of their physical exam. Your animal likely won’t require immunizations every year, but your vet knows how often they’re needed and will offer them when appropriate. Rabies, parvovirus, feline leukemia virus, and viral hepatitis are only a few of the diseases scheduled vaccines prevent.

Hilton Veterinary Hospital provides first-rate preventative care for the cats and dogs of the Monroe County area. With meticulous pet wellness exams, up-to-date vaccinations, and various medical and surgical services, their veterinarians will find and treat any and all problems your pet may be having. Visit their website for more information, or call (585) 392-2937 to schedule an appointment.