Turner Veterinary Clinic News
July is Preventive Care Exam Awareness Month
If your pet is normally healthy and between the ages of 12 months and seven years, an annual exam is usually sufficient. Pets enter middle-age around age seven and their senior years around age 10, so we recommend bi-annual check-ups for pets in this age group. This is when we most often start seeing issues such arthritis, diabetes, and kidney disease. Your puppy or kitten under one year will need to come in several times before his first birthday for routine vaccinations and monitoring.
If your pet needs a new vaccine or booster, we will provide it at this appointment. This is also a great time to talk to our staff about any behavioral concerns, parasite prevention, exercise, and diet. We will check your pet for parasites and let you know if we discover any. Our comprehensive preventive care exam also consists of the following:
- Intestinal or stomach problems, which might show up as abnormal stools, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Unusual urinary discharge or mammary gland issues in females
- Nasal issues, which might include labored breathing, allergies, asthma, coughing, or sneezing
- Coat and skin for problems with anal sacs, hair loss, pigment changes, or excessive shedding
- Teeth and gums for oral health diseases
- Legs and feet for problems such as torn nails, weakness, limping, or joint pain
- Eyes and ears for signs of normal vision and hearing as well as absence of unusual discharge
- We will check your pet's weight at each visit to establish a baseline and let you know if we have any concerns about being overweight or underweight
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February is often associated with love, thanks to Valentine’s Day, and that makes it a perfect time to show extra care to the pets who mean so much to us. While treats and cuddles are always appreciated, one of the most meaningful ways to support your pet is by focusing on their health from the inside out. Dental health and heart health may seem like separate topics, but they are closely connected and both play a major role in your pet’s overall wellness.
When was the last time your pet saw the veterinarian for a checkup, not because they were sick, but just to stay healthy? Preventive care is one of the most important ways to give your pet a longer, happier life. It’s not about doing one big thing. It’s about the small, consistent steps that help avoid bigger health problems later on.
The holidays are full of sparkle, laughter, travel, and to-do lists a mile long. As joyful as this season can be, it often means busier schedules and less time for everyday routines. In the middle of the holiday rush, it's easy to overlook one very important family member: your pet.
If you're lucky enough to have a senior pet, you know just how special that bond becomes over time. From cozy afternoons on the couch to the look in their eyes that says, "I've known you forever," there’s a deep and quiet understanding between you. As pets get older, though, their needs change. Aging isn’t a disease, but it does require us to adapt how we care for our beloved companions.
The good news? With the right care and attention, senior pets can enjoy happy, healthy golden years. Here are seven simple but meaningful health tips to help your older dog or cat feel their best.
Has your dog seemed a little more reserved lately, or is your cat less interested in playing with their favorite toys? It can be easy to attribute these changes to aging or mood, but pets are experts at hiding discomfort. The good news is that there are plenty of subtle signals that can provide clues that your pet may be experiencing pain, and many treatment options to help alleviate this discomfort.