Preventative Care
Why Regular Veterinary Care Saves Money and Extends Lives
The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true for pet health. Preventative care not only reduces long-term costs compared to treating advanced conditions, but also significantly improves treatment outcomes. At Georgetown Veterinary Hospital, we specialize in comprehensive preventative care for dogs and cats to ensure they remain healthy companions for years to come.
Essential Preventative Care for Your Pet
Regular Veterinary Examinations
Even healthy pets need professional checkups at least annually, with twice-yearly visits recommended for optimal care. Senior pets or those with existing health conditions may require more frequent monitoring.
During these crucial wellness exams, our veterinarians can detect:
- Early cardiac issues like heart murmurs or irregular heartbeats
- Enlarged lymph nodes that might indicate infection or disease
- Abdominal or skin tumors before they become life-threatening
- Changes in organ size or function that might signal systemic disease
- Vision problems and eye health concerns
- Early signs of arthritis or joint deterioration
- Skin and coat abnormalities that might indicate parasites, infections, or hormonal imbalances
Comprehensive Health Screening
Following American Heartworm Society guidelines, we recommend annual heartworm testing for all dogs. Additionally, stool sample analysis should be performed 1-2 times yearly to check for intestinal parasites that can affect both pets and humans.
To catch organ dysfunction early, we recommend annual:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood chemistry panel
- Thyroid screening
- Urinalysis
For pets in tick-prevalent regions, we also offer screening for tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.
Year-Round Parasite Prevention
Dogs should receive heartworm preventative medication throughout the year in endemic areas. Many modern preventatives offer multi-spectrum protection against:
- Heartworms
- Intestinal parasites
- Fleas and ticks
Our veterinarians will create a customized parasite prevention protocol tailored to your pet’s specific needs and lifestyle.
Essential Vaccinations
Vaccinations fall into two categories: core (essential) and non-core (situational).
Core Vaccines Every Pet Needs:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis)
Situational Vaccines Based on Risk Assessment:
- Kennel cough (Bordetella)
- Lyme disease
- Leptospirosis
- Canine influenza
Weight Management for Longevity
Scientific research consistently shows that maintaining a healthy weight helps pets live longer with fewer health problems. Our team provides personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations to keep your pet at their ideal weight.
Benefits of Spaying/Neutering
Spaying or neutering offers numerous health and behavioral advantages, including preventing certain infections and reducing cancer risks. Our veterinarians will discuss the optimal timing and benefits for your specific pet.
Personalized Preventative Care Plans
Effective preventative healthcare requires a customized approach based on your pet’s:
- Age and breed
- Lifestyle and activity level
- Medical history
- Environmental risks
- Nutritional needs
At Georgetown Veterinary Hospital, we create individualized preventative care plans covering nutrition, dental health, vaccinations, and parasite prevention tailored specifically to your pet’s unique needs.
Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Exam Today
Not sure if your pet is due for preventative care? Contact Georgetown Veterinary Hospital at (434) 977-4600 to schedule an appointment or discuss your pet’s health needs.
Investing in preventative care today means more healthy years with your beloved companion tomorrow.
