Dr. Rebecca Guglielmo VMD, VCA Bayview Animal Hospital, Lifestyle
It is important to remember that just like with people, good health in animals comes from preventative care. Just as we have our cholesterol and blood pressure checked more often as we age, pets need annual exams and bloodwork as well to screen for illnesses such as diabetes and thyroid disease. Also, many pets are on medications and need to monitor their effects on internal organs.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that veterinarians check a fecal sample yearly for microscopic parasites, which are not only harmful to your pet but many are also contagious to people. Since 1 out of every 15 dogs in Ocean County recently tested positive for exposure to Lyme Disease, annual vaccination for Lyme and other illnesses is more important than ever before.
Frequent dental cleanings also help prevent periodontal disease from harming organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart. In addition, monthly heartworm and flea and tick preventatives are an important part of wellness care and prevent diseases that can be life threatening and expensive to treat. If you detect problems early, you can treat and resolve these illnesses with less expense and greater success. Pets age at a faster rate than humans and their health can change significantly over the course of a year. Early intervention helps your pet live a longer and healthier life!
At Bayview Animal Hospital, our Care Club membership allows for these services at a discounted rate to make veterinary care more affordable. We treat a variety of species including dogs, cats, reptiles, birds and pot-bellied pigs. We provide house calls for patients who get too anxious being transported in a car, and boarding services for our furry friends while their owners are away.
