Routine Pet Wellness Care Helps Prevent Disease

Routine wellness visits go beyond vaccines; they're an opportunity to catch potential problems early, often before signs appear. This proactive approach can prevent a range of diseases and ensure your pet enjoys a long, healthy life. Our Santa Monica Pet Medical Center team understands that your pet is a cherished family member, so we encourage regular checkups to help your pet thrive and enjoy a good quality of life.

Early detection of common pet diseases

Your pet’s yearly checkup is a chance for our team to perform a physical exam, checking for abnormalities in weight, temperature, lymph nodes, and other vital signs. We perform blood tests, fecal exams, and other diagnostics to assess your pet’s internal health. By identifying potential issues early, we can intervene promptly, often preventing serious conditions from progressing.

Vaccinations that prevent pet diseases

Vaccinations are your pet’s preventive care cornerstone. They expose your pet to weakened or inactive forms of disease-causing viruses or bacteria, triggering your furry pal’s immune system to develop defenses. This way, if your pet encounters the real pathogen in the future, their body is prepared to fight it off and prevent illness.

Core vaccinations protect against potentially fatal diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline panleukopenia. Depending on where you live and your pet's lifestyle, we will recommend additional vaccines for conditions such as Lyme disease, Bordetella, or feline leukemia.

Parasite prevention for dogs and cats

Fleas, ticks, and heartworms are more than just nuisances; they can cause serious health problems. Routine wellness visits allow us to assess your pet's parasite risk and recommend appropriate preventive medication.

These medications kill parasites before they sicken your pet. By keeping parasites at bay, you protect your pet from potentially life-threatening illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and heartworm disease.

Internal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, can live undetected in your pet's digestive system, stealing nutrients and causing health problems such as anemia or nutritional deficiencies. By performing regular fecal exams, we can identify these unwelcome guests and recommend appropriate deworming medication for your pet.

Senior pet care

As pets age, their health needs change. During senior pets’ wellness visits, we can detect age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. Our Santa Monica Pet Medical Center team may recommend additional specific blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostics to get a clear picture of your pet’s health. Early intervention can significantly improve your senior pet's quality of life.

Early detection of cancer in pets

While a pet’s cancer diagnosis can be scary, the good news is that early detection significantly improves your furry pal’s prognosis and treatment options. Routine wellness visits allow us to:

  • Perform thorough physical examination — We check for lumps, bumps, and other abnormalities that could indicate cancer.
  • Recommend diagnostics — X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood tests can provide additional insight into a pet’s condition and help us differentiate benign growths from malignancies.
  • Discuss preventive measures — Depending on your pet's breed and risk factors, we may recommend specific screenings or lifestyle changes to minimize their cancer risk.

Remember, early cancer detection can make a world of difference in your pet's prognosis. Be sure to mention any concerns you have during your pet's wellness visit.

Endocrine diseases in dogs and cats

The endocrine system is involved in hormone production and is important in regulating bodily functions such as metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction. If your pet’s endocrine system goes awry, various diseases, such as diabetes, can emerge. We focus on early detection and management of these conditions during wellness visits, including:

  • Diabetes mellitus — Regular blood sugar monitoring and insulin therapy, if needed, help keep your diabetic pet healthy and prevent complications.
  • Cushing's disease — Characterized by excessive cortisol production, this disease can lead to weight gain, skin problems, and other issues. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
  • Hypothyroidism — This condition results in decreased thyroid hormone production, impacting metabolism and potentially causing lethargy, weight gain, and skin problems. We can diagnose and manage hypothyroidism effectively with medication.

Early endocrine disease detection and management are crucial for your pet's well-being. Many endocrine disorders are uncurable but can be managed with appropriate veterinary care so your pet can live a healthy and happy life.

Beyond disease prevention for pets

Routine wellness visits offer numerous benefits beyond disease prevention. They provide an opportunity to:

  • Discuss any concerns you have about your pet's behavior or health.
  • Get expert advice on nutrition, exercise, and other pet health care aspects.
  • Develop a strong relationship with our team, fostering trust and ensuring your pet feels comfortable during visits.

Investing in routine wellness care is an investment in your pet's long-term health and happiness. Early detection and disease prevention can save you money on expensive treatments and provide your pet with a healthy life.

We're dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for your pet. Schedule your pet's next wellness visit with our Santa Monica Pet Medical Center team and ensure your furry pal enjoys a lifetime of good health.