There are common situations and many recurring questions, concerns, and misconceptions veterinarians experience and hear. Based on these, we’re sharing a few important considerations regarding pets’ health and wellness.
We want you to tell us if you have concerns
Some owners struggle with administering their pets’ medication. Some worry about affording care. Many others are unsure if a certain food, supplement, type of exercise, piece of advice, etc. is right for their pet. Unvoiced, these concerns can lead to pets’ missing out on medicine or care.
We’re here to help. When owners share concerns, we can provide answers or work toward solutions.
Animals have different ways of expressing their pain
Veterinarians hear statements like, “My dog is limping but he’s not in pain,” and “I don’t think my pet is in pain because she hasn’t been whining,” or “He’s playing and eating, so he’s not in pain.”
Animals mask pain and illness well. Limping usually indicates an injury of some sort making normal walking painful.
If they’re slow to get up, reluctant to jump, or missing jumps, a pet could be suffering from arthritis pain. Cats and dogs in pain can still want to play or go for walks, eat normally, and show happiness when seeing their owners.
Just because humans can eat something doesn’t mean pets can
We find many people still aren’t aware—or refuse to believe—that grapes, onions, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, and other human foods are harmful to pets. The best practice is to stick with food designed for pets and research pet-safe human foods or ask a veterinarian before giving pets any human foods.
Prevention is the key to reducing or eliminating many major health problems
It’s also less expensive and invasive than treating disease. The list of illnesses routine care can prevent or lessen is extensive.
Vaccinations, spaying and neutering, parasite preventives, dental cleanings, and routine check-ups are what will keep pets as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Insects can get to indoor pets
The belief that indoor pets are safe from parasites such as heartworm, fleas, and ticks is a common misconception. This leaves many cats and dogs unprotected and at risk for serious illness. Disease-carrying ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes can and do get to pets that spend most of their time indoors. We see it all the time.
Pet health care is a team effort
We work to provide the best care possible for our patients, and we can’t do it without their owners. We believe it’s important owners and veterinarians work together as partners in pets’ health care.
Watching daily for physical and behavioral changes, bringing pets for check-ups and preventive care, and following veterinarian recommendations are all vital parts of pets’ health care plans.
Get insurance before you need it
Insurance or a pet health savings account can save owners considerable money and prevent them from having to make painful choices if care becomes too costly. The multitude of coverage plans and options available also make it more accessible than ever.
Emotional wellness is important for pets’ overall health
Mental and emotional wellness affect physical health and behavior. Stress, anxiety, and depression contribute to illness—in occurrence and severity. Providing cats and dogs safe, enriching environments helps keep them healthy and happy.
Weight matters
Pets who are overweight or have obesity are at risk for disease and pain. Just a little bit of extra weight can impact health.
Overweight pets are generally less healthy and die earlier than those at a healthy weight. Owners can work with veterinarians to get and keep pets at a healthy weight and improve quality of life and overall health.
If you must get emergency care prepare to wait
Health emergencies are scary and stressful. We hope you never have to experience one. If you do have cause to visit an animal emergency clinic, be as patient (and kind) as you can.
Highest-priority cases, the animals who are the most injured, most ill, and most at risk of dying will go first regardless of order of arrival.
In the end, there’s a lot of information out there about pet health care—much of it contradictory. We believe part of caring for our patients is educating owners so they can make the best decisions regarding their pets’ health.