Pet owners want their animals to live long and happy lives. Annual visits to the veterinarian for wellness checks are essential for this. If you aren’t in the habit of taking your pet to the vet unless they have a condition, here’s more information about why these appointments are so important.

Why Should You Schedule Pet Wellness Checks? 

An annual wellness exam allows a veterinarian to detect signs of potential diseases before your cat or dog presents symptoms. Depending on the condition, noninvasive early interventions may be able to restore the animal’s health. 

For example, if your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with obesity and prediabetes after a blood test, they will recommend dietary and exercise changes to manage these conditions. This could help you avoid a need for insulin injections. If left undetected and untreated, conditions like diabetes could also result in complications, including kidney failure.

What Happens During an Appointment?

The veterinarian will assess the animal’s medical history, ensuring they are up-to-date on vaccinations and following up on any previous issues. They will ask for a stool analysis to check for parasites. This is also an opportunity to discuss behavioral issues. Unwanted behaviors like peeing indoors are sometimes signs of discomfort and sickness.

The veterinarian will also conduct a dental exam. Like humans, animals are susceptible to periodontal disease and cavities, which can lead to tooth loss without proper cleaning. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so if your cat or dog hasn’t received a dental cleaning in over a year, now is the perfect time to book.

Vintage Park Veterinary Clinic of Sacramento, CA, offers comprehensive wellness checks to keep your furry friend healthy. Their compassionate team will treat your animal as if it were their own beloved pet. If you’re a new client, you will also enjoy $15 off your first appointment. Visit their website for a full list of their services. To make an appointment, call (916) 688-5486.