It’s easy to sense the coming signs of spring–more daylight hours, leaves unfolding on trees and shrubs and sleepy plants poking their heads up through moist earth. The kids and dogs are restless and anxious to be playing outside and cats seek the company of sunbeams for their afternoon naps. Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal and catching up on things put aside or forgotten over the cold dark winter months.
If you are like many, one of things on the list that may be due or overdue is a trip to the veterinarian for a tip-of-the-nose to tip-of-the-tail checkup. This is no different than the yearly physical examination recommendation made to you by your own physician. The purpose of regularly scheduled physical exams, even in the face of looking good and feeling well, is to make sure no evidence of hidden or early disease is lurking. Because Pet’s bodies and internal systems age six to ten times as quickly as our own, Pets need comprehensive physical examinations on a twice yearly basis. The focus of veterinary medicine has shifted from crisis care and management to preventive care. Preventing disease, early detection and treatment are less stressful, less expensive and have much better outcomes then waiting until a disease gets bad enough that few or potentially no options exist. Even though veterinarians have a wide array of specialized and advanced diagnostics test capabilities, the most important one is a thorough hands-on physical examination, some basic testing, depending on breed, age and environment, along with a good history and discussion of any changes that have occurred since the Pet’s last physical exam.
Our Pets are our best friends, part of our family and those who love us unconditionally no matter what.
We want them healthy, happy and with us for as long as possible. Remember that although our dogs and cats are domesticated they still maintain some vestiges of their wild ancestors. In the wild, to show illness or weakness was, in most cases, a death sentence. So not surprisingly Pets, especially cats, tend to hide illness, especially chronic diseases like oral kidney and even heart disease. Even small changes in appetite, body weight, water consumption or mobility, may go unnoticed. Veterinarians know the right questions to ask and how to go about checking for subtle changes that may have significant impact on quality and length of life.
No different than for people, regular preventive care which changes as we age, is the foundation for a long and healthy life. Your Pet(s) depend on the team of you and your veterinarian to provide a long healthy and happy life. It seems little to ask for the amount of joy, love and well-being they give us in return.
Spring is here! and It’s time to call your veterinarian and schedule a comprehensive examination. Time passes by quickly. Don’t wait!!! You Pet will thank you for it.
