Let’s face it…none of us loves going to the doctor and the added chore of taking our pet to the veterinarian is not something most of us enjoy, either. If your pets are like mine, they quickly became wise regarding trips to their doctor and now whine, claw and generally freak-out when they catch onto where their ‘special trip’ in the car will end up.  To help you stay motivated when you see the next trip to the vet rapidly approaching on your calendar, here are a few reasons why taking your pet to the doctor, especially for wellness visits, is necessary for their good health. First of all, a wellness exam, especially beginning when pets are young, gives veterinarians a baseline to measure any future changes in your pet’s health or behavior for the rest of their lives. Wellness exams over your pet’s lifetime help their doctor’s find and hopefully intercept potential health problems before they have a chance to interfere or hamper your pet’s life.

Most pets age faster than humans, which increases their potential for illness. The average dog or cat can reach ‘middle age’ at around 4-years old – much sooner than most of us would expect. Just like their human owners, pets can suffer ‘middle age’ illnesses like obesity, diabetes, heart, and kidney disease. Since they are unable to tell us they are not feeling well, it is important to have your pet scheduled for regular vet visits to detect, prevent and treat any condition they may be experiencing. A wellness visit usually consists of the following: a consultation where you can report anything new or unusual, a physical exam to check your pet’s heart, lungs, skin and teeth as well as a screening for hidden issues through testing of blood, stool and urine. These results of these tests, used against your pet’s baseline health report, help your vet detect any potential problems and give them an opportunity to discuss your options regarding preventative care to improve your pet’s health.

Because pets do age rapidly, taking good care of this special member of your family requires more than just an annual vet exam and yearly vaccines. Since you are around your pet every day, you are one of the most important sources of information regarding their health. You will be the first to notice when your pet’s routine may change or anything unusual in their behavior or condition. A wellness exam with your veterinarian gives you a chance to discuss changes in your pets however major or minor they may seem and can help provide them with better quality of life which can lead to a longer, happier life.

By Kirsten Goulet