Pet Wellness Care Is Important for Better Pet Health
Because it can sometimes be difficult to identify when your pet is experiencing a health issue, there is always a danger of the illness going unrecognized. In some circumstances, health issues may start small and continue to get worse until they cause a bigger physical problem. However, the time to treat your pet is long before you notice any symptoms. Diet, plenty of exercise, and regular check-ups at Altos Veterinary Clinic are the building blocks of good health for your pet.
Altos Recommends Pet Wellness Care
During your pet’s annual exam, in addition to a complete hands-on nose-to-tail check, we will take the time to look over and discuss the following with you:
- Weight, diet, and nutrition
- Vaccines
- Heart, skin, ears, lungs, and eyes
- Behavior issues or changes
- Teeth and your pet’s mouth
If you are visiting us for the first time, please fill out the new pet form, the new client form, and appropriate pet lifestyle assessment below, and bring them with you to your appointment.
A complete history, including up-to-date blood test results, gives us a baseline to measure changes in your pet’s health. By seeing your pet on a regular basis, we are better able to understand your pet’s potential health issues, which can help us to know what is normal and what is not. Comparing the findings of today’s exam with records of previous visits, we are able to see where a potential health problem may be.
Activity & Nutrition Build Healthy Pets
Your pet’s diet is an important component of pet wellness and should always contain the correct nutrients to help build a healthy body. Sometimes, it’s tempting to reward our pet friends with treats from the table or too many snacks. Unfortunately, this can lead to pets becoming overweight or even obese, which can cause many health problems. By starting your pet on a nutritious diet, these weight issues can be avoided, ensuring your pet lives a long, healthy, and happy life.
Regular exercise is also an important part of keeping your pets healthy. Along with helping to control weight and keeping your pet fit, vigorous playtime and regular walks can also lead to fewer behavior problems. At Altos Veterinary Clinic, we always recommend you make sure to include lots of activity in your pet’s daily routine.
Poor Pet Behavior
Our experience tells us that because their owners can no longer tolerate poor behavior, many dogs and cats are given up for adoption. When some owners find themselves with a pet showing destructive or aggressive behaviors, they can sometimes overlook the factors that might be causing the bad behavior. In many circumstances, behavioral problems can arise when a pet is in pain or discomfort. Behaviors such as excessive licking may be a sign of anxiety or it might signal a joint problem.
We can advise you on how to avoid bad behaviors in your pet and find ways to correct them should they start. In the event you need more help, we are pleased to recommend qualified trainers and puppy obedience classes so that you have a more pleasant pet. In training your pet, it is important to remember that all pets are unique, and some may require different methods of training to see results. Some pets with severe anxiety may even need medication, and we can help you with that as well.
Home Care of Your Pet’s Teeth
Having your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned is important, and there is also a lot you can do at home to keep those teeth clean and free of bacteria. Altos Veterinary Clinic recommends starting tooth brushing with your dog or cat at a young age. A step-by-step process is the best way to help your pet learn to enjoy having his or her teeth brushed. Stay with it! Your pet will thank you!