When your furry friend seems healthy and happy, you may feel tempted to skip your routine veterinarian visit. However, doing so can have serious consequences. While most pets need checkups about once a year, senior pets should head to the vet at least twice annually. To keep your pal healthy, consider these top reasons why healthy pets of all ages require regular checkups.

Pets Tend to Hide Pain

Unlike humans, animals can’t tell you when they’re in pain. To worsen matters, animals like dogs and cats have evolved to hide many symptoms of pain, perhaps because it would help prevent them from appearing vulnerable in the wild. As a result, pets with serious conditions often seem completely normal to their owners.

Fortunately, a veterinarian can assess for signs that aren’t obvious without specialized training; they can also conduct tests that can be used to diagnose various diseases and conditions. Common problems like arthritis, kidney disease, and cancer may go unnoticed without regular screenings.

Preventive Care Is Necessary

Cats are considered senior aged around nine or ten years old, while dogs tend to enter their elderly years even earlier. Just like with humans, older age in animals is associated with a higher risk of health conditions including cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and kidney disease. By closely monitoring pets’ health today, veterinarians can help senior pets stay healthy down the road.

In the same respect, preventive care is valuable at any age. Consistent medical care helps pets maintain optimal health and reduces the risk of certain issues developing in the first place. During these appointments, veterinarians can also assess, diagnose, and treat conditions before they exacerbate.

For a happy, healthy pet, schedule regular veterinarian checkups. The friendly team at Westside Veterinary Hospital in Statesboro, GA, has the support you need to help your furry friend maintain a lifetime of excellent health. To learn more about the veterinarian clinic’s services, visit their website. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call the animal clinic today at (912) 489-1998.