Preventative medicine is the absolute best way to keep your animal companion healthy and happy for years on end—it helps you to avoid a problem before it even begins! In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA veterinary clinic, learn about five fundamentals of preventative pet medicine.

Spay and Neuter

Have your pet spayed and neutered early on if they aren’t already. It’s one of the best things you’ll ever do for their health! Spaying and neutering eliminates the risk of genital cancers and greatly reduces the chance of other cancer types being diagnosed. Other common urinary- and reproductive-system issues, like UTIs, are also less likely. Of course, you’re also avoiding the hassle and costs of an unexpected litter of babies!

Vaccines

Keep dangerous diseases at bay with proper vaccination. When your pet receives the core vaccines—some examples include vaccinations against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies—they’ll stay disease-free and healthy for a lifetime. Ask your vet about the vaccinations that your pet requires, as well as setting up a schedule for booster shots to keep your animal friend’s vaccines effective.

Pest Control

Have your pet wear seasonal or year-round preventative medications to ward off heartworm, other worms like roundworms or flatworms, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. It’s far easier to avoid infestations and infections caused by these pests than it is to eradicate them later! If your pet needs preventative pest-control measures, call your vet’s office right away.

Diet and Exercise

It’s easy to forget about a great diet as a preventative care measure, but that’s exactly what it is. Combined with regular exercise to keep the body in shape and burn excess calories, giving your pet a healthy diet will keep them in shape for years to come! Ask your vet to recommend an age-appropriate premium pet food that will provide your companion with all of the essential nutrients they require.

Veterinary Office Visits

One of the most important preventative healthcare steps you can take is having your pet see their veterinarian at least twice a year. This way, any health concerns can be caught, diagnosed, and treated early on, before they are allowed to get worse. Your vet can also evaluate your pet’s overall health and keep you abreast of any updates to their care regimen. Is your animal companion due for an appointment? Contact Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA pet clinic, today.