Doing the Math

On average, most dogs and cats reach adulthood by 2 years of age.

By age 4, many pets are entering middle age.

By age 7, most dogs, particularly larger breeds, are entering their senior years.

Because dogs and cats age 7 times faster, on average, than people, significant health changes can occur in a short amount of time. The risks of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, metabolic problems, and other serious conditions all increase with age.

Twice a Year for Life

Yet many pet owners are not aware that taking a dog or cat to the veterinarian once a year is the same as a person seeing their doctor or dentist once every 7 years. This is why Valley View recommends pets have a wellness exam every 6 months so that we have the opportunity to detect, treat, or, ideally, prevent problems before they become life-threatening.

"Prevention is the real goal of twice-a-year wellness exams," says Dr. Becker, a veterinarian and consumer spokesperson for National Pet Wellness Month, an educational initiative sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health.. "When veterinarians see a pet on a regular basis, they can help pets avoid some preventable illnesses and diseases. Plus, a pet will never have to suffer from pain that could be treated or prevented by the veterinarian."

The Exam

Pet wellness exams include screenings for a variety of potential diseases. These screenings are usually accompanied by an individualized risk assessment of your pet's environment - where you live, emerging disease risks in your community, your pet's interaction with other pets and wildlife, travel plans, and other lifestyle considerations.

Pet wellness exams also help us determine a proper prevention program, including a vaccination schedule tailored specifically for your pet. By using personalized pet health protocols, we can pinpoint specific preventive health care needs for your pet.

Reminders

To receive an e-mail reminder when your pet is due for its annual exam, please send us your address.

More Info

Information about the pet aging process, disease prevention, and twice-a-year wellness exams is available through the National Pet Wellness Month web site at www.NPWM.com. But your best source for wellness exam and preventive health care information is your Valley View vet. As Dr. Becker points out, "Only your veterinarian knows your pet's medical history, current health status, and the potential risks your pet faces."