Annual exams are just as important for your pet’s health as they are for yours. Whether you have a dog, cat, or small animal, it’s important to schedule yearly checkups with your Plaquemine, LA, veterinarians, Drs. Katie Berthelot and Charles Carville of Carville Veterinary Clinic.
Why your pet needs an annual examination
Health problems can start slowly and cause subtle symptoms at first. Although you may not notice any difference in your pet, the disease may already be affecting the health of your cat, dog, rabbit, or hamster. During your pet’s examination, the veterinarian will look for signs or symptoms of diseases that commonly affect pets, like diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, cancer, and allergies. If your pet is diagnosed with an ailment, prompt treatment is essential.
Exams are recommended once a year for most pets. As your pet gets older and more likely to develop health conditions and diseases, you may want to schedule checkups every six months.
Annual exams at the Plaquemine veterinary office also offer these benefits:
- Protection Against Diseases and Parasites: During the visit, your pet’s veterinarian will review its records and recommend vaccines if needed. Immunizations prevent a variety of diseases in dogs and cats, including rabies, feline or canine distemper, canine parvovirus, feline calicivirus, canine hepatitis, and feline herpesvirus type 1. Your veterinarian can also recommend heartworm prevention and flea control options.
- Management of Chronic Conditions: Regular visits are particularly important if your pet has allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hip dysplasia, liver or kidney disease, or other conditions.
- Nutritional Advice: Your veterinarian will check your pet’s weight and may recommend a change in food or recommend an exercise program if your pet is overweight. He or she can also suggest the best types of food if your pet has allergies or has a chronic illness, such as kidney disease.
- Oral Care: Your pet’s visit will also include a dental exam to check for cavities, tartar buildup, damaged teeth, and gum disease. If your pet needs dental work or teeth cleaning, you can schedule another appointment during the checkup visit.
Is it time for your pet’s yearly physical exam? Call your veterinarians in Plaquemine, LA, Drs. Katie Berthelot and Charles Carville of Carville Veterinary Clinic at (225) 687-7387 to schedule your pet’s appointment.