Reasons To Visit Your Vet

Routine appointments ensure your pet receives the best care throughout their lives, identifying any issues early on and helping you with your regular care.

Keep reading for our top reasons to visit your vet.

Health checks

Pets can’t tell us when they’re feeling unwell, so regular health checks are a great way to ensure your pet is healthy and happy.

During the appointment, your vet will complete a full nose-to-tail check of your pet, looking out for any underlying issues and early signs of illness. They will check their temperature, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, skin, internal organs and joints.

These checks also provide the perfect opportunity to ask any questions relating to your pet’s care.

Weight management

Just like humans, pets need to maintain an ideal weight to stay fit and healthy throughout their lives. Combining plenty of exercise with a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to manage your pet’s weight.

Attending weight management clinics is a great way to get expert advice on your pet’s weight. Your vet or nurse will be able to tell you the ideal weight for your pet, depending on their age and breed, and provide ideas on weight loss or gain where necessary.

This can be particularly beneficial for overweight pets as obesity can cause future health problems, including arthritis and diabetes.

Flea, worm and tick treatments

Regular flea, worm and tick control is an important part of any pet owner’s care plan. These parasites can cause a range of health issues, so prevention is always better than cure.

Frequent parasite treatment from your vet will make sure your pet stays protected from parasites year-round. Your vet will also be able to assess your pet’s individual lifestyle to make sure they receive the treatment that best suits them.

Dental care

Keeping your pet’s teeth in top condition is an often-overlooked part of any owner’s care routine. However, with 60% of dogs and 80% of cats suffering from dental disease by the age of two, it’s important to establish a healthy dental routine from the start.

Rabbit owners should also bear in mind that their pet’s teeth never stop growing, so continuous care is essential.

Regular dental checks provide the perfect opportunity to identify early symptoms of dental disease and maintain teeth and gum health. Your vet will conduct a nose-to-tail health check, with a focus on your pet’s mouth and teeth. They’ll look for signs of fractured teeth, gingivitis, periodontitis, tartar and any other issues that could lead to dental disease.

Your vet will also offer advice for maintaining good dental hygiene at home, including suggestions on brushing and diet. Check out our pet dental advice pages including how-to videos for expert tips and demonstrations.

Behaviour and training

As well as providing healthcare advice, vets can help with your pet’s behaviour and training. For puppy owners, attending regular puppy parties at your local practice helps to successfully socialise your pet in the early stages of their life, resulting in a confident, well-rounded adult.

It’s also important to bear in mind that bad behaviour can sometimes be a sign of underlying illness in pets, so it’s always a good idea to get them checked out by your vet.

Vaccinations

It’s easy to assume that once your pet has received their initial course of vaccinations they’re protected for life, but this isn’t true. Pets need regular boosters throughout their lives to maintain their protection from potentially fatal conditions such as canine parvovirus, cat flu and myxomatosis.

Your vet will be able to discuss your pet’s vaccination plan with you, depending on their individual lifestyle and environment.

The Medivet Healthcare Plan

Spread the cost of ongoing, regular care with the Medivet Healthcare Plan.

The plan includes:

• Annual booster vaccinations
• A nose-to-tail health check every six months
• Complete flea, worm and tick protection for the year

Plus, discounts on treatments, food and dental work.
Speak to your vet about the Medivet Healthcare Plan today.

The latest advice

Every time you visit your vet, they’ll be able to give you the latest advice to help you look after your pet. This includes seasonal advice, updates in regulations or treatments and guidance that’s bespoke to your pet.

Your vet will always be able to help you with any questions or concerns about your pet, helping you keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

Saves money in the long run

Many illnesses and conditions in pets are preventable with the right care. Booking regular check-ups and appointments throughout your pet’s life can lessen the need to treat illnesses and conditions in the future, many of which can require expensive specialist treatment.

This is particularly pertinent to parasite prevention, vaccinations and dental checks – all of which protect against costly and potentially life-threatening conditions.

Evolving care

Your pet’s needs change as they grow. The care that served them well in their youth may not be necessary as an adult, and senior pets often require a different type of care in their later years.

Visiting your vet regularly will help you keep on top of your pet’s needs throughout their lives; this can include changes to their diet and exercise routines, as well as dealing with any health conditions.