Preventative Care: Dos and Don’ts for Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Preventative care is one of the most important aspects of pet ownership. It helps ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and avoids common ailments before they become serious. At Ky’s Mobile Pet Grooming, we see firsthand how regular care, grooming, and attention to small details can lead to a healthier and happier pet. Here, we’ll outline the key dos and don’ts of preventative care, so you can take proactive steps to protect your pet’s well-being.

Dos of Preventative Pet Care

1. Do Schedule Regular Veterinary Visits

Even if your pet seems healthy, regular veterinary check-ups are essential. These visits allow your vet to monitor your pet’s health, administer vaccinations, and perform routine bloodwork or other tests to catch any underlying issues before they worsen.

Source:• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Preventative Pet Care

2. Do Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Dental health is often overlooked, but regular brushing is crucial in preventing tartar buildup, gum disease, and infections. Aim to brush your pet’s teeth several times a week using pet-safe toothpaste, or provide dental chews as recommended by your vet.

Source:• American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC): The Importance of Dental Care for Pets

3. Do Keep Your Pet’s Nails Trimmed

Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and lead to walking or posture issues. Regular nail trimming helps prevent splitting, infection, and damage to your pet’s paws. This is a standard part of grooming, and if you’re unsure how to trim your pet’s nails, your groomer can assist.

Source:• PetMD: Why Regular Nail Trims Are Important

4. Do Use Flea and Tick Prevention

Parasites like fleas and ticks can cause serious health issues, including skin infections and diseases like Lyme disease. Year-round flea and tick prevention treatments, whether topical, oral, or through a collar, will keep your pet protected.

Source:• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Protect Your Pet from Fleas and Ticks

5. Do Groom Regularly

Grooming plays a significant role in preventing skin infections, matting, and discomfort in pets. Regular brushing, ear cleaning, and bathing help maintain your pet’s coat and skin health. Plus, during grooming, small issues like lumps or irritations can be caught early. At Ky’s Mobile Pet Grooming, we ensure that your pet’s coat, nails, ears, and skin are in top condition.

Source:• ASPCA: Benefits of Regular Pet Grooming

Don’ts of Preventative Pet Care

1. Don’t Skip Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect both dogs and cats. Preventing heartworm is much easier (and less expensive) than treating it. Your vet can prescribe monthly heartworm preventatives to keep your pet safe.

Source:• American Heartworm Society: Heartworm Disease Prevention

2. Don’t Overfeed Your Pet

Obesity is a leading health issue among pets, leading to diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. It’s important to feed your pet according to their breed, age, and activity level, and to avoid over-treating or free-feeding.

Source:• Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP): The Risks of Pet Obesity

3. Don’t Ignore Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes such as increased aggression, lethargy, or avoidance can be signs of underlying health issues, such as pain or illness. If you notice your pet acting differently, it’s important to consult your vet to rule out any medical problems.

Source:• VCA Animal Hospitals: Behavioral Changes as Indicators of Health Issues

4. Don’t Neglect Ear Care

Some pets are prone to ear infections, especially those with floppy ears or who swim frequently. Regular ear cleaning can prevent infections and build-up of wax, debris, or bacteria. Never use cotton swabs inside your pet’s ear canal; instead, use a vet-approved ear cleaner and follow your vet’s instructions.

Source:• AKC: How to Properly Clean Your Dog’s Ears

5. Don’t Forget to Microchip

Microchipping your pet is one of the best ways to ensure they are returned to you if they ever get lost. A microchip is a simple, safe procedure that provides permanent identification. It’s essential to keep your contact information up to date in the microchip registry.

Source:• American Kennel Club (AKC): The Importance of Microchipping

Conclusion

Preventative care is crucial for maintaining your pet’s health, longevity, and quality of life. By following these dos and don’ts, you can stay ahead of common health issues and ensure your pet stays happy and healthy for years to come. At Ky’s Mobile Pet Grooming, we’re here to support you every step of the way, offering expert grooming services that contribute to your pet’s overall well-being.