What Is Preventive Care & Why Does My Pet Need It?

Preventative pet care is integral to your pet’s health. However, you may wonder what preventative pet care entails and why it is crucial to keeping your pet healthy and happy. Stevenson Veterinary Clinic in Stevenson, WA, is here to explain what preventative pet care encompasses and why it is vital to your pet’s health and well-being.

What Preventive Care Encompasses

Preventive care refers to regular veterinary visits for wellness examinations and screens, even when your pet seems perfectly fine. Preventative pet care also includes recommended vaccines and parasite prevention to prevent illnesses before they take hold. At our animal clinic, preventive care generally includes:

●             Annual examinations to assess growth, overall condition, organ function, and dental health

●             Necessary vaccinations and updates per current protocols

●             Diagnostic testing like heartworm checks, fecal screens, and blood work as needed

●             Required treatments such as dewormers and flea or tick medication

Our veterinarian can also microchip your pet to help shelters or other animal hospitals identify it should it get lost. Talk with our veterinarian to learn more about our preventative care services.

Goals of Preventive Care

Consistency is essential when it comes to preventive pet healthcare. Annual wellness checkups let our vet establish baselines for your pet while closely monitoring it over time. We can better detect subtle changes signaling underlying issues that need prompt treatment. Staying current on vaccines and preventatives also helps protect the general pet population in our region. Preventative care keeps pesky parasites like heartworms at bay before causing lasting impacts. Our veterinarian can also effectively manage slow-building issues like dental disease or osteoarthritis by catching and treating them early. Ultimately, preventive care can defend your pet from more severe, costly illnesses later in life.

Schedule an Appointment With Stevenson Veterinary Clinic Today to Maintain Your Pet’s Health and Well-Being

Partnering with knowledgeable veterinary staff for consistent wellness checkups provides essential insight into your pet’s health and how to protect it. Stevenson Veterinary Clinic in Stevenson, WA, encourages you to prioritize preventives to keep your pet healthy and happy. Contact our animal clinic today at (509) 427-8763 to discuss the best plan for your pet’s needs.