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    Skipping the Vet? 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t…

    Super Vet Linda Randall tells you 5 reasons why you shouldn't skip your pet's annual veterinarian visit. And yes, she knows you've been saving up for that kitty bikini all summer.

    Super Vet
    by Super Vet

    Community Contributor

    To go to the veterinarian or not to go? As a veterinarian, I understand. Why come see me when you've done ample (albeit ill advised) Internet research as to why Spot's acting differently? And Fluffy hates getting into that cat carrier, so why risk the battle scars?

    Because it could very likely save your furry friend from a difficult (and expensive) treatment down the road, and maybe even save their life.

    Studies have shown that 59 percent of dog owners and 56 percent of cat owners said they would visit the veterinarian more often if they knew it would prevent an expensive treatment later on. Your veterinarian is your best resource in the prevention and early detection of disease in your pet. Regular vet visits provide the opportunity for a trained professional to examine your pet and notice symptoms you may not. Here are five completely preventable/treatable conditions that negatively impact the health and well-being of pets that are easily addressed at a routine vet visit:

    1. Heartworms. Yes, your cat can get them, too!

    Via Facebook: ZoetisCommitmenttoVeterinarians

    While heartworm is more common in dogs, many do not realize that cats are also susceptible. And while you can easily prevent heartworm in cats, there is no approved, safe treatment for cats to get rid of heartworm. The treatment in dogs is tough and expensive, but your vet will confirm that preventive care is simple.

    2. Osteoarthritis. Painful for pets, both young and old.

    Via Facebook: ZoetisCommitmenttoVeterinarians

    1 in 5 dogs suffer from osteoarthritis, and not all of them are old. More than 90% of cats over the age of 10 years have been shown to have some degree of osteoarthritis. Low energy, licking at joints, lameness, difficulty jumping on furniture or traversing stairs, and a stiff gait are all signs that your dog or cat could be suffering from this debilitating disease. Catching this disease early can save your pet a lot of discomfort down the road.

    3. Fleas and Ticks. So many prevention options, but which one is right for your pet?

    Via Facebook: ZoetisCommitmenttoVeterinarians

    There are many flea and tick preventives out there for your pet, but how can you be certain you’re applying the right one without an expert’s opinion? These bugs are not just a nuisance – ticks spread lyme disease, and the excessive scratching from fleas can lead to skin infection and hair loss as well as tapeworms. Check your pet regularly, and make sure to consult your veterinarian when you’re trying to decide which preventive treatment is right for your pet.

    4. Bacterial Skin Infections. Scratching can turn into hair loss and more.

    Via Facebook: ZoetisCommitmenttoVeterinarians

    Excessive scratching, due to fleas or allergies, and changes in environment are often precursors to bacterial infection. These infections can cause extreme discomfort and hair loss in your pet. Remember to consult your vet for treatment, the sooner you catch the infection, the better!

    5. Obesity. Pudgy pooches have persistent health problems.

    Via Facebook: ZoetisCommitmenttoVeterinarians

    An occasional treat is one thing, but regularly feeding your pet fatty bones, treats and human food can be harmful to their health. Obesity can drastically affect an animal’s quality of life and put them at risk for other chronic conditions, like osteoarthritis and heart failure. If you worry your pet is overweight, veterinary oversight is the safest and most effective way to get your pet to a healthy weight.

    It's important for pet owners to recognize that there are many diseases that may not be easy to spot by the untrained eye. According to the Partners for Healthy Pets and Zoetis Pet Wellness Report, as many as four in ten canines have a subclinical illness (no obvious sign of disease) or health issue requiring treatment or veterinary review. This is why routine veterinary checkups are so critical for catching illnesses or ailments unrecognizable by the pet owner.

    Recent research has shown that pet spending in general has increased on items like accessories, but spending on veterinary care has fallen. So while I'm not going to stop you from spoiling your pet with that new bathing suit, I'd like to remind you…don't skip your next veterinary visit.

    Via Facebook: ZoetisCommitmenttoVeterinarians
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