How often should I bring my pet to the vet? “Every pet needs to visit their veterinarian at least once a year,” says Dr. Carter. These annual exams allow you to track your pet’s growth and development, and they allow your veterinarian to identify any potential health issues so you can start any necessary treatments early. “For pets who are chronically ill or have any other conditions, I recommend to come in at least every six months or whatever was recommended by your veterinarian,” he says. Even if your pet seems fine, it is essential that your veterinarian monitors the issue to ensure your pet is as healthy as they can be.,What should I expect during a routine vet visit? “During a pet’s annual examination, we do a nose-to-tail physical exam,” says Dr. Carter. Your veterinarian will look for hair loss, lumps, rashes, discoloration or unusual spots, as well as for fleas, ticks and mites. They’ll check your pet’s ears and eyes for discharge, swelling, redness or itching, as well as their dental health status by examining your pet’s teeth and smelling their breath. In addition to a physical exam, “We make sure they’re up to date on all their vaccines and that they also have enough preventative care items to get them through until their next veterinary visit,” says Dr. Carter. A stool sample may also be required, which checks your pet for intestinal parasites.,We spoke with Dr. Ben Carter from Animal House Veterinary Center to get his professional insight on some important pet health questions. If you are a pet parent, you can use these recommendations and helpful info on dogs and cats to keep your pets in good health for years to come. What are the recommendations for keeping your pet’s heart healthy? Dr. Carter recommends maintaining your pet’s healthy heart through exercise and proper nutrition. “Some things we can do at home to make sure our pets have a healthy heart include taking them for a walk for 15-20 minutes every single day and making sure that they eat a well-balanced diet,” he says. According to Dr. Carter, a well-balanced diet is one that is approved by AAFCO and has the proper amount of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as amino acids. There are essential amino acids that must be supplied in your pet’s food, which can be found in protein. These amino acids help maintain the health of your pet’s muscles, bones, blood, organs, immune system, and hair and nails. Fats and carbohydrates are important sources of energy for your pet and can help support their development, so it is essential that your pet’s food contains the right balance of both. The proper combination of nutrients for your pet depends on their life stage, so it is recommended to buy dog food and cat food that’s balanced for the age of your pet.
