It is not uncommon for chronic illnesses and painful conditions to go unnoticed even by the most astute pet owner.
It is very easy to assume that everything is fine with your pet’s health if they aren’t showing you any concerning symptoms. The problem is that animals are genetically wired to hide signs of illness for their protection. In the wild, having an illness can be a sign of weakness and a matter of life or death. Fortunately for our pets, they have a much easier lifestyle than their counterparts in the wild. This doesn't make them any less likely to hide illnesses from us though.
Unfortunately, when it comes to how they are feeling, Fluffy and Fido aren't doing much talking. It is not uncommon for chronic illnesses and painful conditions to go unnoticed even by the most astute pet owner. So how do you ensure you aren't missing something medically wrong with your furry friends? One of the biggest keys to keeping your pet in tip-top shape is bringing them in for regular wellness exams.
Common Signs of Illness
Early detection is key when it comes to treating an illness. It is important to monitor for changes in your pet to ensure they are treated as soon as a problem arises. Though many symptoms are not noticeable, there are some subtle yet common signs of illness your pet may experience that warrant a trip to the vet.
Weight changes
Changes in appetite
Decreased activity
Changes in urinary habits
Changes in water consumption
Behavior changes
Cost Savings
Catching problems early also tends to be better for your wallet in the long run. Anyone who has had to go through the stressful experience of having to take a pet to an animal emergency hospital understands how quickly emergency medical costs can add up. Hospitalization, specialized treatments, diagnostics, and supportive care are often much more expensive when an illness has progressed beyond the early stages. Finding problems early means there is a much higher chance of finding a cost-effective treatment option and avoiding emergent situations down the road.
Treatment Options
Catching problems early also tends to be better for your wallet in the long run. Anyone who has had to go through the stressful experie
nce of having to take a pet to an animal emergency hospital understands how quickly emergency medical costs can add up. Hospitalization, specialized treatments, diagnostics, and supportive care are often much more expensive when an illness has progressed beyond the early stages. Finding problems early means there is a much higher chance of finding a cost-effective treatment option and avoiding emergent situations down the road.
Many illnesses in animals are treatable if caught at an early stage. With prompt diagnosis, there are sometimes more flexible treatment options available. Some of the most common illnesses we find during wellness visits include:
Liver and kidney disease
Diabetes
Thyroid disease
Urinary tract infections
Dental disease
Osteoarthritis
How Often Should Your Pet Have Exams
At Main Street Vet we want to keep your pet in the best shape possible, and to help you avoid unnecessary veterinary expenses. That is why we are such big advocates of wellness care. We understand how busy life can get and all too often that wellness exam gets pushed off for a later date. The problem is that, as much as we hate to think about it, our pets age much faster than we would like them to. Yearly exams mean that your pet is being seen by a veterinarian, on average, the equivalent of you going to the doctor every seven years. A lot can change in a year. We recommend young animals have a wellness exam and bloodwork yearly. For our senior pet friends, we recommend coming to see us every six months for check-ups.
“Yearly exams mean that your pet is being seen
by a veterinarian, on average,
the equivalent of you going to the doctor every seven years”
We understand how important your animal family is to you because we share the same bond with our own pets. We are passionate about helping you keep your pets in the best health possible. Bringing your pet in for regular wellness exams is one of the biggest things you can do to help your pet live a long and happy life. If you have any questions about wellness care, or to schedule a wellness exam for your pet, call one of our locations today.
PERKIOMENVILLE 1335 N. Gravel Pike, Perkiomenville, PA 18074 Telephone: 610-287-5100
SOUDERTON 201 North Main Street, Souderton, PA 18964 Telephone: 215-660-3699
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