Pets are terrific additions to just about any family and often are the best companions many people ever will have. Sadly, our pets eventually succumb to aging, trauma, and other conditions. According to Petpedia, all adult pets should receive annual veterinary checkups to ensure they are in good health and to catch anything relatively early if they are not. Here's a closer look at why your pet needs an annual check-up.

Update Vaccinations

Your veterinarian can help to ensure that pets have the best possible natural defense against commonly occurring diseases and other medical conditions. Many vaccinations need regular boosters to help keep your pets in good health. When your vet knows the vaccination history of your pet, it is much easier to update them so that your pet remains much less likely to suffer from rabies and other potentially dangerous viral diseases and afflictions.

Control Fleas and Ticks

The summertime is the prime season for fleas and ticks, which are primary carriers of many potentially deadly diseases that might affect your pet. A veterinarian can check your pet for flea and tick infestations or exposure and provide effective treatments when found. Flea baths and medications are available that help to stop infestations, including ticks. Ticks are especially dangerous because they often stay attached to a pet for several days or longer and feed on multiple animals per year. Their feeding patterns make it much more likely that a tick will transfer Lyme disease and other viruses to your pet without preventive measures in place.

Prevent Heartworms and Other Conditions

Your vet can check your pet for heartworms and other parasites that might endanger your pet. If any are detected, your veterinarian can provide treatment and prescribe medication that helps to get rid of existing parasites and prevent their return. Your vet also can stay informed on any disease outbreaks that might have flared up in your locale and help to protect your pet against those, too.

Identify Medical Problems Early

Even a healthy-looking pet might have hidden medical problems that an annual check-up could detect early. A good example is renal failure in cats, which is what claims the lives of many household felines. When caught early, your veterinarian might prescribe weekly saline treatments that help to flush toxins from your pet and help it to enjoy a relatively healthy existence in old age.

You can schedule a veterinarian check-up for your pet by calling, submitting an online form, or visiting our office. Reach out to us today at Green Tree Animal Hospital.