Preventive Medicine for Pets

What is Preventive Medicine for Pets?

Preventive medicine or healthcare for pets in Singapore is a routine assessment of your pet’s health and well-being. To prevent certain illnesses or health issues, your veterinarian provides you with advice and guidance on your pet’s diet and nutritional needs, dental care, vaccinations, heartworm or flea prevention, or other treatments and medicines. 

Animals with early organ dysfunction do not show clinical signs until the disease is more advanced. A physical health check by a veterinarian and blood tests are recommended at least annually. Response to treatment is usually better when a disease is detected earlier. 

These suggestions and recommendations are usually tailored to your pet’s health, weight, risk factors, and genetic predisposition. For example, cats are particularly prone to chronic kidney disease in their old age. Your vet may advise you to ensure your cat drinks enough water or recommend an appropriate diet. 

Animals that spend time outdoors, such as dogs that go on walks, may require more frequent flea or tick medication. It is best to provide as much information as possible to your veterinarian about your pet’s diet, lifestyle, and medical history so that they can recommend preventive healthcare accordingly.

How does Preventive Medicine for Pets work?

Just like humans, pets have individual health risks. Preventive medicine works differently for every pet. To keep your pet healthy and keep them from suffering from various illnesses and ailments when they’re older, preventive medicine should start from an early age. It should also be done consistently, so don’t miss or delay your pet’s annual check-ups and veterinary appointments.

Preventive medicine is a tailored approach that may include multiple facets, depending on your pet’s needs and health. However, in general, it often includes:

• Health checks
• Vaccinations 
• Heartworm/flea/tick prevention
• Dental scaling and polishing
• Sterilisation (spaying or neutering)
• Blood tests
• Weight maintenance
• Diet and nutrition
• Supplements
• Surgeries 
• Imaging tests such as X-rays and ultrasound
• Pet acupuncture

Benefits of Preventive Medicine for Pets in Singapore

• Prevents them from developing certain diseases or illnesses
• Keeps parasites such as heartworms and fleas at bay
• Allows for early medical intervention if necessary
• Ensures that they are healthy

What conditions can Preventive Medicine for Pets prevent or monitor?

Preventive medicine is meant to prevent diseases. However, when preventive medicine is done from an early age, it may allow for diagnosing certain health issues or illnesses that can be treated with early intervention. Vaccinations also ensure that your pet does not contract certain diseases. Weight management and diet changes can prevent obesity and diabetes. 

Preventive medicine can prevent many issues, depending on your pet’s health. It also depends on their species, as certain animals may be more prone to developing certain diseases. In general, these are the common ones:

• Diseases that pets can be vaccinated against, such as distemper, parvovirus, Bordetella (Kennel cough)
• Flea, tick, or heartworm infestation
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Periodontal disease
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes 
• Cancer

What results can be expected from Preventive Medicine for Pets?

If your veterinarian provides preventive healthcare for your pet from an early age and you ensure that you follow their recommendations, you can expect your pet to live a long, healthy, and happy life. They can still develop diseases and illnesses despite preventive medicine, depending on their genetics or overall health, but it can drastically reduce these chances and improve their quality of life.

At Dr Paws Vet Care, we provide preventive medicine for pets to ensure they are healthy. Contact us today to book an appointment.

How many sessions of Preventative Medicine are needed?

It is best to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for routine check-ups and appointments for preventive medicine. In general, you should bring your pet for a health check at least once a year so that your vet can assess them and provide preventive medicine or care. Older pets may need more frequent check-ups, depending on their health. 

Frequently asked questions

What preventative medication do dogs need?

Dogs need preventive medicine such as vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm medication, dental care, diet, and weight management. Depending on your pet’s overall health, they may also need other preventive care. Your veterinarian can provide the best advice and guidance to keep your dog happy and healthy.

How often should I get my pet checked?

Even if your pet appears healthy, they should get checked at least once a year. This can done at the same time they receive their annual vaccinations. This allows your vet to prescribe preventive medicine and ensures no red flags about their health. You can also ask questions about your pet’s nutrition, allergies, or anything else concerning your pet’s health.

Do indoor pets need preventive medicine?

Although indoor pets are less likely to pick up diseases, they should be vaccinated and given flea/tick/heartworm prevention. They can still contract diseases and illnesses even if they don’t go outdoors. They should also be provided preventive medicine as they can fall sick or develop diseases in their old age.