Diseases You Can Prevent with Routine Wellness Care for Cats and Dogs

At Arcata Animal Hospital, we believe in the power of prevention. Regular wellness visits for your pets are crucial in identifying potential health problems early and, even better, preventing certain diseases altogether. By staying on top of your pet’s health with routine checkups, vaccinations, and preventative care, you can help them lead a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Why Routine Wellness Exams Are Essential

Routine wellness care involves scheduled visits to your veterinarian for comprehensive health assessments. These visits allow your veterinarian to perform a thorough physical examination, review your pet’s vaccination status, check for parasites, and screen for early signs of illness. Early detection is key in preventing diseases from becoming more severe or costly to treat.

Routine care for both cats and dogs generally includes:

  • Vaccinations
  • Parasite control (internal and external)
  • Dental care
  • Nutritional guidance
  • Blood tests and screenings

By visiting Arcata Animal Hospital regularly, you’re not only addressing current health concerns but also laying the groundwork for preventing future issues. You can read more about the importance of checkups on our Wellness and Preventative Care Page.

Common Diseases You Can Prevent with Routine Care

1. Parvovirus in Dogs

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs. This virus attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Fortunately, parvovirus is preventable through timely vaccinations starting when your dog is a puppy.

2. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Feline leukemia virus is a serious illness that weakens a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. FeLV is transmitted through saliva, nasal secretions, and close contact with infected cats. Regular FeLV testing and vaccinations are critical in protecting your cat, especially if they go outdoors or live with other cats.

3. Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, affects both dogs and cats. Infected pets may suffer from heart failure, lung disease, or even death if not treated. The good news is that heartworm disease is entirely preventable with monthly heartworm preventatives and annual testing. Learn more about heartworm on the AVMA Heartworm Disease Page.

Routine heartworm testing and prevention options are available at Arcata Animal Hospital.

4. Dental Disease

Dental health is an essential part of your pet’s overall well-being. Without regular dental care, pets can develop periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss, pain, and even heart disease. Routine dental cleanings, along with at-home care, can prevent plaque and tartar buildup, helping to avoid the painful effects of dental disease.

Check out our Veterinary Dentistry Page for more information on how we can help keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

5. Flea and Tick-Borne Diseases

Fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance; they can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. These diseases can cause severe symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and lethargy. Using monthly flea and tick preventatives year-round is crucial, especially in areas where these pests are common. For more information about parasite prevention, visit AAHA’s page on The Importance of Year-Round Parasite Prevention for Pets.

6. Rabies

Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect any mammal, including humans. It’s transmitted through the bite of an infected animal and, once symptoms appear, is nearly always fatal. However, rabies is entirely preventable through regular vaccinations. Keeping your pet’s rabies vaccine up to date is not only important for their health but also required by law in most areas.

Read more about rabies and other essential vaccines on our Preventative Healthcare Page.

7. Obesity-Related Diseases

Obesity is a growing problem for pets, and it can lead to several preventable diseases, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Regular wellness exams allow your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s weight and provide nutritional guidance to keep them fit and healthy.

The Role of Vaccinations in Disease Prevention

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to prevent a wide range of diseases in cats and dogs. At Arcata Animal Hospital, we recommend a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet’s specific needs, lifestyle, and risk factors. Core vaccines for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, while core vaccines for cats include rabies, feline distemper, and FeLV.

Vaccinations not only protect your pet but also help prevent the spread of diseases in your local community.

Visit our Preventative Healthcare Page to learn more about the vaccines we offer.

Preventive Care: A Lifelong Investment

Routine wellness care is a lifelong commitment to your pet’s health. Whether it’s vaccinations, dental care, or parasite prevention, each aspect of wellness care helps safeguard your pet from serious and often preventable illnesses. At Arcata Animal Hospital, our veterinary team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your pets, ensuring that they stay healthy and happy for years to come.

To schedule your pet’s next wellness visit or for more information on our services, visit our Contact Us Page.