When considering your pet’s annual veterinary visit, you know that vaccinations and physical exams help ensure your furry pal remains healthy. However, wellness exams delve further into your pet’s health status; they help your four-legged friend remain disease-free. Many common pet diseases can be prevented or mitigated through routine wellness care. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team describes the most prevalent pet diseases and how proactive veterinary care can help prevent illness.

Preventing infectious diseases in pets through vaccinations

Contagious disease can shorten an unvaccinated cat’s or dog’s lifespan. During your furry friend’s wellness exam, our team recommends vaccines that safeguard your pet from the following virulent illnesses:

  • Canine parvovirus — Canine parvovirus—parvo—is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs. This virus can cause severe gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, often leading to a fatal outcome if left untreated. Routine vaccinations, starting from puppyhood and continuing throughout your dog’s life, prevent parvo.
  • Feline calicivirus (FCV) — FCV is a highly contagious virus that affects cats. This virus belongs to the family Caliciviridae and primarily causes upper respiratory tract infections. FCV spreads through direct contact with infected cats and contaminated objects such as food bowls, bedding, and litter boxes.
  • Panleukopenia — Also known as feline distemper or feline parvovirus, panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cats. This virus is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), a Parvoviridae family member. Panleukopenia primarily targets rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow, intestines, and lymphoid tissues, leading to severe signs that are often fatal.
  • Rabies virus — Rabies is a deadly infection caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Pets and people can contract this disease, often through an infected animal’s bite. Because rabies is deadly, vaccinations are required by law.
  • Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) — This viral infection is highly contagious among felines and can be spread through contact with an infected cat’s saliva, mucous, or other secretions. FHV-1 can cause serious health problems, including upper respiratory infections and conjunctivitis.
  • Canine distemper virus (CDV) — This viral disease, which commonly affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs, attacks the GI, respiratory, and nervous systems. 

Several infectious diseases can harm unvaccinated pets, so discussing core—essential—vaccines with our veterinary team is crucial. Depending on your pet’s lifestyle, we may also recommend noncore—elective—vaccines such as canine influenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. 

Protecting your pet against parasitic diseases

Along with administering your pet’s necessary vaccines, our team recommends protecting your furry pal from fleas, ticks, and heartworms. These parasites can cause life-threatening conditions. For example, heartworm disease can damage an infected pet’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Fleas and ticks can also carry conditions such as Lyme disease, Murine typhus, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Monthly preventive medications, such as oral tablets or topical solutions, protect pets from parasitic infections. Regular testing and adherence to preventive measures are essential to ensure that your furry pal remains parasite-free. 

Combatting dental disease in pets

Dental issues, such as periodontal disease and tooth decay, are prevalent among pets 3 years of age and older, leading to pain, discomfort, and systemic health problems. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings performed by our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team can prevent dental disease. Additionally, establishing a daily dental care routine at home, such as brushing your pet’s teeth and providing dental chews, can improve their oral health. We are happy to demonstrate how you can brush your pet’s pearly whites. 

Maintaining your pet’s weight and optimal nutrition

Obesity is becoming increasingly problematic among pets, leading to various health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Feeding your pet a balanced diet, managing portion control, and ensuring they exercise regularly are important for preventing obesity. Consult with our veterinarian to develop a customized nutrition and exercise plan based on your pet’s age, breed, and health status. Learn how to prevent nutritional disorders and maintain a healthy weight in your pet.

Proactive wellness care can safeguard your four-legged friend’s health and longevity. By staying up-to-date with their vaccinations, routine veterinary exams, parasite prevention, dental care, and proper nutrition, you can significantly reduce your furry companion’s disease risk. Ultimately, investing in preventive measures enhances your pet’s well-being and helps ensure you have many happy and healthy years together. Call our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team to schedule your pet’s wellness exam.