World Veterinary Day 2024: How Veterinary Visits Impact Pet Longevity

Our pets are our beloved companions, accompanying us through our everyday adventures as well as the mundane. For those of us who have pets at home, our furry friends transcend the role of mere pets, becoming cherished family members and loyal confidants, even though they don’t speak our language. And naturally, we want them to live long, healthy, and happy lives.

Dr Bala Guru Chinnappan, Scientific Communications Specialist, Royal Canin, says, “One of the secrets to a long, healthy life for our pets is regular visits to the vet, even though they may not like it. So, as World Veterinary Day approaches, it’s essential to recognise that caring for their health through regular veterinary visits is crucial to nurturing this unspoken bond and ensuring our pets enjoy a long, happy life by our side.”

The first milestone

The initial veterinary visit sets the stage for a pet’s lifelong well-being. “Within 48 hours of acquiring a new furry family member, it’s best to schedule that first appointment. This consultation provides a comprehensive understanding of the breed, nutrition, dental hygiene, behaviour, training, neutering, and critical life stages,” adds Dr Chinnappan. Additionally, discussions on preventive healthcare practices like vaccinations and deworming arm pet owners with the knowledge to safeguard their companions from infections and infestations caused by internal and external parasites.

Safeguarding their health

Just like for us humans, vaccinations play a pivotal role in protecting pets from potentially life-threatening diseases. Dr Chinnappan explains, “Understanding their importance and adhering to recommended schedules is essential. Similarly, deworming is a vital defence against internal and external parasites, some of which can pose risks to human health. Neutering not only offers behavioural benefits but also mitigates the risk of certain health complications, making it a vital consideration for responsible pet ownership.”

Nurturing our furriends

Besides vaccinations, proper nutrition is key in ensuring your pet is healthy and happy, both physically and mentally. Veterinarians can guide pet owners on what to feed, how much to feed, and the best feeding practices for their specific companion. Regular grooming, including bathing, coat maintenance, and medicated baths when necessary, contribute to a pet’s overall hygiene and comfort.

Oral health is key

Unfortunately, dental hygiene is one of the most overlooked aspects when it comes to caring for our pets. However, it plays a crucial role in determining your pet’s overall well-being. Veterinarians can advise on preventive measures to combat dental diseases, which can lead to more severe health issues if left unchecked. Additionally, they can guide owners on which foods to avoid, ensuring a pet’s diet remains safe and nutritious.

The journey into adulthood

Dr Chinnappan shares, “As our pets enter adulthood and their senior years, regular veterinary checkups become even more crucial. In adult dogs and cats, maintaining a balanced diet, skin and coat health, and urinary tract well-being are key areas of focus. For senior pets, whose senses may be diminishing, early intervention can significantly improve their quality of life by addressing common age-related issues such as cataracts, dental diseases, arthritis, and kidney problems.”

Preventive care is best

As the adage goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” Just like us, pets too require regular health checkups to manage any health conditions that may arise. These will help support early interventions to effectively manage life-long conditions such as diabetes and Canin Atopic Dermatitis (CAD). Annual vaccinations and periodic deworming ensure continuous protection against infectious diseases and parasites. Furthermore, regular weight monitoring helps prevent obesity-related illnesses like arthritis, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues.

Summing up

By prioritising regular veterinary care, pet owners can ensure their beloved companions receive the attention and intervention they need, ultimately extending their lives and enhancing their quality of life. After all, they are our best friends, so it’s up to us to provide them with the best possible care.

Veterinarians are true heroes. With their relentless passion to provide the best care for their voiceless patients, veterinary science is one of the noblest professions. This World Veterinary Day, every pet parent should thank their pet’s vet for ensuring their furry companions are in good hands and live long, healthy, happy lives.