Sometimes the answers to life’s big questions are simple, such as helping your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life with regular wellness care at North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital. Veterinary wellness care, including regular exams, vaccinations, and preventive treatments, is key to protecting your pet from a host of preventable diseases and supporting their overall well-being. We explore five common, but entirely preventable, health conditions that can be avoided with consistent veterinary wellness care. 

1. Dental disease in pets

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets, with initial signs appearing as early as 2 to 3 years of age. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to painful gingivitis, tooth loss, and infections that can ultimately spread to the heart and kidneys. 

Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s mouth for early dental disease during their annual or bi-annual physical examination. Once detected, early intervention—including professional cleanings and X-rays under anesthesia—can prevent this chronic disease, especially when followed with consistent at-home care, such as toothbrushing and a dental diet.

2. Reproductive cancers in pets

Spaying or neutering your pet is a one-time veterinary wellness care decision that provides a lifetime of benefits. In addition to preventing unwanted litters and reproductive emergencies such as dystocia and pyometra (i.e., infected uterus), spaying and neutering significantly reduces the risk of certain cancers. Spaying female dogs and cats before their first heat cycle can almost eliminate their risk of mammary tumors, which are malignant in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Neutering male pets eliminates their testicular cancer risk and reduces the likelihood of prostate problems. If your pet isn’t spayed or neutered, talk to your veterinarian about taking this life-changing step.

3. Infectious diseases and pets

Life-threatening infectious diseases, such as rabies, canine distemper, feline panleukopenia, and canine parvovirus, are almost entirely preventable through vaccination. Regular vaccinations, including boosters, are a crucial part of your pet’s veterinary wellness care and protect them from conditions that are easily transmitted through contact with other animals or the environment. Staying updated on your pet’s vaccines not only keeps them safe but also protects other pets and people in the community by reducing disease outbreak risk.

4. Parasitic diseases and pets

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more than a nuisance—they can transmit serious diseases. Infected mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease, a life-threatening condition that severely damages the heart and lungs, with a single bite. Fleas and ticks can cause anemia, bartonellosis, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and other conditions that can lead to chronic health problems. Routine veterinary wellness care, including year-round parasite prevention and annual heartworm and tick-borne disease testing, is a simple and effective protection for your pet from these dangerous diseases.

5. Obesity-related conditions in pets

Obesity in pets, which increases the risk for shorter life spans and weight-related health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, heart and respiratory disease, and cancer, is reaching epidemic proportions. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your pet’s long-term wellness and comfort. Your veterinarian can help you manage your pet’s weight by assessing their body condition at every visit and providing personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations for every life stage and need.

Routine veterinary wellness care is essential for preventing these and many other diseases, ensuring that your pet enjoys a long, happy, and healthy life by your side. By investing in regular exams, vaccinations, screening tests, and parasite prevention at North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital, you’re giving your pet the best chance to thrive.

Request your pet’s next wellness visit or contact our team to learn more about our wellness programs. Take the next step toward a lifetime of good health!