Regular pet check-ups save trips to emergency care centers

Well-care services: Essential to your pet's well-being

Bringing a dog, cat or other pet into your family can be a great joy, filling your days with snuggles, playtime and laughter. But an essential part of pet ownership is committing to ensuring they receive the care they need to stay healthy and vibrant throughout their lifetime. It's nothing to take lightly; well-care services are as crucial to your pet's long-term health as wellness check-ups are for kids and grown-ups. That's because preventative care not only gives your pet the best protection from common health issues but can also help identify concerns early on before they require an expensive trip to an area emergency center. Simply put, when it comes to your pet, an ounce of prevention is not just better than a pound of cure — it's priceless.

What are veterinary well-care services for pets? 

Here in the greater La Crosse and Onalaska area, pets can experience several health issues related to our natural environment in addition to health concerns that occur for certain breeds, habits or lifestyles and behaviors. When you have that unique, loving bond with your pet, you want to ensure they stay healthy and avoid illness, pain and injury. Many potential problems can be avoided or addressed early through veterinary care and education. Working with a veterinarian gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pet is in good hands. Your veterinarian can help you ensure your dog, cat or other companion animal has all the well-care services needed to stay healthy and live a long life. 

Well-care services for your pet include the following: 

• Yearly or bi-annual exams. Regular exams may include an examination of your pet's skin and coat, teeth and gums, paws, eyes and ears, bloodwork and other tests. Screening often and catching particular concerns early gives your pet the best chance of healing from infection, disease or injury. 
• Vaccinations. Depending on your lifestyle and your pet's exposure to potential problems, your veterinarian will recommend vaccinations to protect your dog or cat from diseases spread by insects, other animals or the environment. Some vaccinations require regular boosters, and your veterinarian can help keep track of what your pet needs and how often. 
• Specific care for your pet according to their age and breed. Puppies have different health risks and concerns than older dogs, just as kittens have needs different from full-grown cats. Likewise, dachshunds are likely to have a few different health risks than Labradors or mixed breeds. Veterinarians know every pet is unique, but certain breeds tend to be at risk for certain conditions. Well-care check-ups allow providers to keep an eye out for changes in health or behavior that might signal an issue so you can address it quickly. 
• Discussion about your pet's diet, exercise and lifestyle. Your veterinarian can make recommendations for your pet's particular needs. For example, if your pet is overweight, your vet may propose a change in your dog or cat's food, portion size or exercise routine, as excess weight can lead to health complications in pets. 
• Dental care. Taking care of your pet's teeth is more important than most pet owners realize. Dental disease can cause your pet pain and suffering and can even lead to serious complications in other organ systems. Regular dental cleanings, and extractions when necessary, are an essential part of your pet's well-care.

It may also come as a surprise that well-care services are a great way to control your pet's care costs. Few things are more expensive than emergency care, and that holds true for an emergency trip to an overnight care center. By staying on top of vaccinations, screenings, teeth cleanings and health checks, you're investing in the long-term wellness of your pet. That means more snuggles, playtime and laughter, and perhaps most importantly, more years with your beloved furry family member. 

Is it time for your pet's check-up? We're here to help and offer a full slate of well-care services at Onalaska Animal Hospital.