Annual Health Checkups A Gift of Love for Your Beloved Pet

Annual Health Checkup = The Best Gift for Your Beloved Companion

This New Year, good health is the best gift for your beloved pet. An annual health checkup for your pet is one of the best ways to show love and care that we can give them, since caring for them isn't just about food and a good home -- it also has to include good health. For new pet parents, here's a handy guide on what to check for at each stage of your pet's life.

1. Puppy/Kitten Stage (Birth to 1 Year)

During this stage, your pet is developing rapidly. The focus here is on checking their growth and development, along with necessary vaccinations to prevent various diseases -- like building up their immune armor, a great foundation for good health as they grow up.

What to Check

Basic vaccines: rabies, distemper, heartworm

General health exam: checking teeth/gums, joint/bone health, digestive system

Complete blood count: to screen for conditions that don't show symptoms, such as infection, anemia, or blood disorders. This also helps assess overall health, such as liver and kidney function.

Breed-specific screening: each breed has different breed-specific conditions.

2. Adult Stage (1-7 Years)

During this stage, your pet has fully grown and is at their physical peak. But health checkups remain important, since pets at this age may be prone to developing chronic conditions or other health issues.

What to Check

Teeth and gum exam: since dental decay or gum disease can occur at this age, affecting overall health

Respiratory exam: checking breathing and heart/lung function

Blood sugar test

Complete blood count

3. Senior Stage (7 Years and Older)

As pets enter their senior years, their health and body begin to decline, especially the function of various organs. So health checkups at this stage need to be more thorough and comprehensive.

What to Check

Major organ exams: such as the heart, kidneys, and liver, since pets at this age are at higher risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, or joint degeneration

Eye exam: this age carries a higher risk of eye conditions, such as cataracts or other eye diseases that could lead to vision loss

Complete blood count

Blood sugar test

Ultrasound exam: to detect internal abnormalities

Behavior and mood check: since they may experience stress or depression in their senior years, which can affect overall health

Regular annual health checkups are the best gift we can give our beloved pets, so they can enjoy a good quality of life, stay healthy, and stay with us for a long time. As the New Year begins, don't forget to bring your beloved pet in for their annual health checkup.