Why Preventive Care is Key to Avoiding Veterinary Emergencies

As the saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ When faced with a medical emergency, veterinary fees can quickly add up. That’s why preventative care is so critical. By taking preventative measures now, you reduce not only the risk of significant medical issues in the future, but also the risk of being faced with enormous bills—although it is worth noting that there are ways to raise funds for veterinary care should you find yourself in financial need.

Preventative care involves proactive steps to maintain healthy routines. Adult dogs and cats should see the vet for a physical exam at least once per year. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets should visit the vet more frequently as they are at higher risk of developing health conditions. 

Keeping up with routine vaccinations, parasite prevention medication, dental care, a proper exercise regime, and a nutritious diet are all aspects of preventative pet care. These actions can reduce your pet’s risk of developing chronic diseases or serious health complications while improving their overall well-being. 

Keep in mind that accidents and other emergencies can also arise, so preparing a pet first-aid kit is an equally important preventative measure you can take to ensure quick, efficient response to emergency situations. 

What is preventative pet care?

Preventative care refers to the proactive care that supports health and well-being before medical issues arise. Emergency care is a reactive type of care that responds to a medical issue after it’s already occurred. 

Preventative care is a proven method of reducing risks for more serious medical conditions. For example, keeping up with vaccinations can prevent pets from contracting a potentially life-threatening disease. A healthy diet is another form of preventative pet care as it provides nutrition and reduces the chance of obesity—a condition that can lead to further medical issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and more.

Research demonstrates a preventative care disparity between cat and dog owners. According to the 2017-18 edition of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, 82.8% of dog owners brought their pets to the vet at least once a year, while only 54.3% of cat owners visited the vet.

Common preventative care measures

• Annual vet visits and wellness exams. The most basic level of preventative care involves regular visits to the vet. Puppies, kittens, and seniors require more frequent visits because of elevated health risks. Talk to your vet for a recommended wellness exam schedule.

• Spaying and neutering. When first adopting your pet, consider the health and behavioral benefits of spaying or neutering. According to the AVMA, spaying can reduce the risk of breast cancer and uterine infection in female dogs and cats, while neutering male pets lowers the chance of them developing testicular cancer and exhibiting territory-marking behavior. 

• Microchipping. This preventative step can help you identify and locate your pet easily if they get lost. Ensure that you update your contact information on the microchip if you move.

• Routine vaccinations and parasite prevention. Vaccinations prevent pets from contracting infectious diseases like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, feline leukemia, and more. Parasite prevention is especially important for dogs and outdoor cats that can easily come in contact with fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Indoor cats should also stay up-to-date with these preventative measures as parasites can find their way inside homes.

• Regular dental checkups and cleanings. Teeth play a major role in overall health, potentially impacting organ function if bacteria from teeth and gums enters the bloodstream. Having your pet’s teeth cleaned and checked is essential to prevent more serious conditions.

• Exercise. Movement is an essential part of physical wellness for both cats and dogs. Ensure they have plenty of space and opportunities to exercise in combination with a healthy diet.

• Regular nutritious diet. Cats and dogs have unique nutritional needs. Familiarize yourself with a healthy pet diet and provide a regular feeding schedule of healthy food designed for your animal. This measure reduces the chance of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and more.

Create a healthy lifestyle for your pet

Vet visits and vaccinations are just one slice of the preventative care pie. Pet owners should take a holistic approach to creating a healthy lifestyle for their pets to reduce health complications and ensure their safety and happiness. A well-rounded approach to pet care includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and proactive health measures.

Here are some of the most essential elements of building a healthy lifestyle for your pet:

Get them to engage in physical activity every day

Like humans, pets need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, support cardiovascular health, and avoid medical issues like joint stiffness and obesity. Dogs should take multiple walks per day and engage in physical activities such as playing fetch or tug-o-war and agility training. Regular trips to the dog park can encourage socialization and physical fitness. 

Though cats are typically less active than dogs, they also need engaging exercise to stay healthy and happy. Outdoor cats will often hunt on their own time, but indoor cats need toys that can simulate this natural activity. If your cat goes outside, it’s still a good idea to implement indoor exercise time to ensure they are getting enough physical activity. Cats may benefit from frequent small bursts of activities such as playing with feather wands, chasing a laser pointer, and climbing a cat tree or mounted cat wall shelves.

Prioritize mental stimulation

Imagine being stuck inside the house all day with nothing to do. This is a daily reality for pets who don't get enough mental stimulation. Mental engagement is equally important as physical activity because it keeps your pets curious and entertained. Boredom can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.

For dogs and cats, puzzle feeders encourage critical thinking and motor skills. These toys require animals to solve a puzzle before releasing food or treats. Cats' cognitive health also benefits from regular play with wand and rotating toys, crinkle mats, and tunnels. 

Learning new commands, practicing scent work, and mastering different types of training are excellent ways to enrich your dog’s everyday life. Some training activities can also double as physical exercise, providing your dog with lots of engagement.

Establish and maintain a consistent routine

Knowing when to expect certain activities, such as exercise, mealtime, or sleep, can help keep your pets feeling secure and reduce anxiety. Pets on inconsistent schedules can exhibit behavioral problems and symptoms of anxiety. Staying on a regular schedule also helps owners identify potential changes in appetite or behavior that could be a sign of an underlying issue.

One important element of a consistent schedule is mealtimes. Try to feed your pets at the same time each day, even if you free-feed. This will help them know when to expect new food, prevent overeating, and regulate digestion.

Maintaining a consistent exercise schedule is also essential to regulate bathroom times for dogs and help with pent-up energy. This is especially important for pets who spend long periods of time at home alone. Being able to anticipate exercise at a similar time each day will help them stay calm and happy during that downtime.

Foster a stress-free environment

When pets feels comfortable and safe in its environment, they are much more likely to exhibit good behavior and feel better overall. Create comfortable pet-designated spaces for them, minimize loud noises, and keep dangerous items out of their reach. 

A regular routine combined with cozy, designated pet areas reduces stress. Stress can cause digestive problems like an upset stomach and high blood pressure, and even reduce immune system support. 

Incorporating these tips into your pet's daily life will promote healthy habits and help reduce the risk of major health issues, enabling your pet to live a more well-balanced, active, and engaging life.

Provide your pet with top-quality care

Preventative care is the best way to reduce your pet’s risk of developing severe medical diseases or conditions. Spending money on regular checkups and routine care can also help avoid costly medical expenses down the line.

Maintain up-to-date vaccines, provide mental and physical stimulation, give pets protective parasite medicine, and implement a nutritious diet to foster a healthy, happy life for your pet. At the end of the day, preventative care is often more affordable than emergency care, and it helps avoid those severe medical conditions that call for emergency medical intervention.

Many pet owners rely on pet insurance to make routine preventive care more affordable. Insurance for dogs and cats often ranges from $30 to $60 per month and covers various preventative measures. If you don’t have pet insurance and find yourself in a bind, consider creating a crowdfunding campaign to raise the necessary funds.