Your pet is like a member of the family and you would do anything to keep it healthy and happy. One of the best ways to ensure your furry family member's health and happiness is to schedule annual exams. A pet wellness exam can provide great insight into your pet's health. Here are a few reasons why annual pet exams are important.

Receive Vaccinations

Just like humans, pets require vaccinations to protect them against serious diseases. By taking your pet to a yearly checkup, you can ensure it receives all of the vaccinations it needs. Dogs, for example, may need to get a shot for rabies, Bordetella and leptospirosis every year. Cats, on the other hand, may only need to get vaccinations every three years.

Detect Health Issues Early

When you take your pet in for a wellness exam, the veterinarian will screen for various health issues. Some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, may not show symptoms right away. Veterinarians can obtain great insight into your pet's health through a urine test and physical examination. For example, the veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen to your pet's heart and make sure everything sounds normal. If something is abnormal, medication may be prescribed.

Address Concerns

If your pet has been doing something that concerns you, such as not eating regularly, a wellness exam is the time to bring it up. The veterinarian will ask you multiple questions about your concerns and determine the proper solution. For example, the veterinarian may determine that your pet's eating issues are the result of dental disease.

Maintain Dental Health

Good oral hygiene is not just important for humans. It is also necessary for your four-legged family members. Like humans, pets can develop gum disease and other dental health issues. If your pet has gum disease, the bacteria can travel to other parts of the body and increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

By taking your pet to yearly wellness exams, the veterinarian can detect oral health issues and recommend the proper treatment. For example, if your pet has tooth decay, the veterinarian may recommend getting a professional cleaning.

As you can see, there are a lot of good reasons to schedule regular wellness exams for your pet. If it has been more than a year since your pet's last exam, you should schedule a checkup with a veterinarian soon. Speak with a professional who provides animal health services for more information.