Tag Archives: veterinary visits

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

5 Ways to Keep Your Senior Pet Healthy This Year

Happy New Year! 2019 is a great time to make a resolution for your senior pet: to keep them healthy and happy all year long! Below, your Roanoke, VA veterinarian shares five tips to make sure your older companion stays in tip-top shape throughout 2019.

Feed a Great Diet

A great diet is one of the best ways to make sure your senior companion stays healthy. Choose a food that is formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of aging pets—your companion’s dietary needs have changed drastically since they were a puppy or kitten! Consult your veterinarian for help choosing the proper diet, and be sure to ask about the right portion size.

Provide Regular Exercise

Exercising your senior pet on a regular basis is another key part of maintaining a healthy body, not to mention a stimulated mind. Don’t allow your pet to fall prey to obesity in their later years—it can quickly lead to other serious health problems. Give your companion light exercise via walks around the neighborhood or gentle play sessions at home.

Practice Dental Care

Did you know that dental health issues are some of the most common problems that veterinarians treat in pets? It’s all too easy to overlook your pet’s dental health, and oral issues can sideline a senior pet very easily. Provide your pet with plenty of chew toys, which help work out the teeth and gums and scrape away loose plaque; brush the teeth at home using a canine- or feline-formulated toothpaste and a pet toothbrush.

Keep Up With Preventatives

A pest infestation or a serious disease can wreak havoc on an aging pet, especially if their immune system isn’t as strong as it used to be. That’s why keeping up with preventative medications is so important! Make sure your senior pet stays up-to-date with vaccinations against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, rabies, and others. Have them wear year-round preventative medications to fend off fleas, ticks, and worms. If your pet is in need of these medications, call your vet’s office today.

See the Vet

There’s just no substitute for regular examinations at the vet’s office. When your vet sees Fido or Fluffy several times per year, their health can be monitored and any concerns can be addressed right away.

Is your pet due for their next veterinary appointment? Contact your Roanoke, VA animal hospital. We’re here to help throughout 2019 and beyond!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Lengthen Your Pet’s Life With These 5 Tips

Who wouldn’t want to spend as many joyful years as possible with their beloved pet? By following a few basic healthcare essentials, you’ll be able to lengthen your companion’s life and enjoy their company for as long as possible. Below, your Roanoke, VA veterinarian offers five tips for lengthening your pet’s lifespan.

Practice Preventative Care

Preventative medicine is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy long-term and avoid dangerous diseases, infections, infestations, and other problems. Keep your pet up-to-date on essential vaccinations to ward off diseases like parvovirus, distemper, rabies, hepatitis, and others. Make sure they’re wearing seasonal or year-round preventative medicines to get rid of fleas, ticks, and worms.

Feed a Great Diet

Feeding your dog or cat a high-quality, well-balanced diet in the proper portion size is one of the easiest ways to make sure they stay healthy and happy for a lifetime. This way, they receive all the essential nutrients that they require for good health and weight. If your pet’s diet could use an upgrade, talk to your veterinarian to get a recommendation that suits your pet’s needs.

Exercise Regularly

Coupled with a great diet, regular exercise is essential to your pet’s lifelong health and fitness. Set aside time on a daily basis to get your pet moving—jog around the backyard, go on a brisk walk around the block, or romp around at home with a favorite toy. This will allow your pet to burn off excess calories and get a good workout every day.

Spay and Neuter

Having your companion spayed or neutered early on in life will set them up for a lifetime of good health. Spaying and neutering doesn’t just prevent unplanned litters; it eliminates various cancer risks and even makes relatively common ailments like urinary tract infections far less likely. It’s a cost-effective way to avoid major health problems in the future, and it’s sure to help lengthen your pet’s lifespan!

See Your Veterinarian

Don’t forget: regular veterinary check-ups are another essential part of keeping your pet healthy for years to come. When your vet examines your companion regularly, any health concerns can be caught early and treated as necessary. Your vet can also monitor your pet’s health over time and make recommendations for the future.

Does your pet need spayed or neutered? Have questions about vaccinations, pest-control products, or diet choice? Contact your Roanoke, VA veterinarian today!