5 Basic Health Care Services for Your Cats and Dogs
Since our pets can’t tell us that there’s something wrong with their bodies, we as pet owners should take the step to ensure that they are getting the care they deserve.
As with us humans, early diagnosis and treatment of developing health issues on pets can substantially increase the likelihood of successful results and recovery.
For this reason, we listed below some of the basic health care services that are applicable for your cats and dogs.
Dental Care
Just like how parents take their kids to the dentists, pets also need to go to vet clinics to have their routine dental checkups and cleanings.
Every cat and dog can have different dental needs, but most vets recommend having your pet’s teeth cleaned once a year.
Doing so can help prevent the development of plaque, which is an issue that can lead to severe dental problems such as gingivitis and periodontal diseases.
Vaccinations
Whether you adopt them from a rescue shelter or buy them from a pet store, vets recommend that puppies and kittens start receiving a series of immunizations at six to eight weeks of age.
After that, they’ll just need a booster shot when they turn one year old and core vaccines for every three years. Pet vaccinations should not be lightly taken because they’re essential in preventing severe infectious diseases that can trigger your pet’s immune system.
Nonetheless, it’s best to note that the waiting period between each vaccine shot can still depend on various factors such as age, medical history, environment, and lifestyle.
Parasite Control
We opt for pest control and disinfection services when our property is infested, but what about our pets? Parasites are often the main cause of discomfort and distress for cats and dogs.
Besides that, these pesky critters and internal parasites may also carry diseases that can affect your pet’s long-term health.
For these reasons, it’s ideal that you visit your vet at least two to three times a year for parasite prevention and control.
Grooming
Whenever we want to treat our friends or family to a relaxing day, some of the first places we look into are hair salons, spas, and shopping malls.
However, we shouldn’t forget that pets also deserve some pampering as members of the fam. Professional pet grooming is especially recommended for cats and dogs with thick or shaggy coats, especially during the shedding season, because their coats are prone to mats and tangles.
Aside from keeping them pretty and clean, this service is also considered preventive healthcare because it includes checking signs of infections, infestations, irritations, and more.
If you’re looking for recommendations for dog grooming or cat grooming services near you, consider checking some of the best pet salons we’ve already reviewed!
Spaying/Neutering
If your cats or dogs will not be used for breeding, it’s advised that you have them spayed or neutered. Through this procedure, you can prevent unwanted puppies and avoid various medical problems, including prostate diseases for males and mammary cancer or uterine infection for females.
For your reference, females typically undergo spaying around six months of age, while males are usually neutered around five to ten months of age.