Veterinary wellness care helps maintain your pet’s health and prevent serious diseases. Routine checkups, vaccinations, and preventive measures can significantly reduce cats’ and dogs’ illness and health condition risks. Our Companion Veterinary Clinic team spotlights 11 issues that can be prevented through diligent pet wellness care. 

1. Rabies in cats and dogs

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects mammals’ nervous systems, including those of people and pets. This virus is transmitted through infected animals’ saliva, usually via bites. Wellness exams include rabies vaccinations that are critical for preventing your pet from contracting this deadly disease. Additionally, most states legally require pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies. 

2. Canine parvovirus

Parvovirus—parvo—is a highly contagious viral disease that affects unvaccinated dogs, especially puppies. Parvo causes gastrointestinal (GI) distress that can lead to severe dehydration and, sometimes, death. Vaccination during your dog’s wellness exam is the most effective way to prevent parvo, starting when puppies are young and continuing with booster shots throughout their lives.

3. Feline leukemia virus 

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) most often affects outdoor cats and those in shelters or in multi-cat households. FeLV leads to immune system suppression, anemia, and an increased infection risk, including some cancers. When your whiskered pal receives their FeLV vaccination during their wellness exam with our Companion Veterinary Clinic team, they are protected from this potentially deadly virus. 

4. Distemper in cats and dogs

Canine distemper is a contagious viral disease that affects dogs’ respiratory, GI, and nervous systems. Vaccination is critical in preventing distemper, which can be fatal, especially in puppies. Feline distemper, feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), is a devastating and sometimes fatal disease in cats. Vaccinating your cat against this deadly disease is the best protection. 

5. Lyme disease in pets

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites, which can cause lameness, fever, and kidney damage in pets, primarily canines. To protect your pet from Lyme disease, our Companion Veterinary Clinic team can prescribe effective flea and tick preventives and the Lyme disease vaccine for dogs. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or hunts with you, they have a high Lyme disease risk and should be vaccinated. 

6. Bordetella in cats and dogs

While not a fatal illness, kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs and cats, which is caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. Our team recommends vaccination for most dogs, especially before boarding or socializing with other pets. Most grooming salons and boarding facilities require this vaccine to prevent this disease’s spread.

7. Heartworm disease in pets

Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms that live in an infected pet’s heart and blood vessels. These parasitic worms can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage. Heartworm disease is transmitted to pets through infected mosquitoes. Monthly heartworm preventives are available for dogs, and heartworm testing is done annually during your pet’s wellness exam. Heartworm preventive measures are essential in protecting pets from this life-threatening condition.

8. Obesity-related conditions in pets

Obesity has become an epidemic in cats and dogs, increasing their heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis risk. While chunky cats and dogs have been assumed to be healthy, nothing could be further from the truth. Obese pets often have short lifespans and suffer from mobility issues. Our team will assess your pet’s body condition score and weight during your pet’s wellness exam. If your pet is overweight, we will work with you on weight management strategies, including the correct diet, daily food portions, and exercise. 

9. Intestinal parasites in pets

Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, can cause serious health issues in pets. Routine deworming and regular fecal exams during your pet’s wellness visits are essential in preventing and managing intestinal parasites.

10. Dental disease in cats and dogs

While not a single disease, dental disease encompasses various conditions, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. Annual dental checkups, professional dental cleanings, and at-home dental care, such as toothbrushing, can prevent your pet from developing serious dental issues and their associated health complications.

11. Flea- and tick-borne diseases in pets

Fleas and ticks can transmit various diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Consistent flea and tick preventive administration helps protect your furry friend from these vector-borne diseases.

Routine pet wellness care, including regular veterinary exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care, can help prevent your furry friend from developing or contracting many common diseases. Investing in preventive care saves money in the long run and enhances your cherished pet companion’s overall well-being. Schedule your pet’s wellness exam with our Companion Veterinary Clinic team so we can ensure they remain healthy throughout their life.