The Value of Twice Yearly Examinations

• Recommendations for Puppies

• Recommendations for Kittens

• Recommendations for Adult Cats and Dogs

• The Value of Twice Yearly Examinations

• Frequently Asked Questions

TWICE-A-YEAR VISITS TO YOUR VETERINARIAN CAN CATCH HEALTH PROBLEMS EARLY

Everyone has heard the old adage about one year in a human life being the equivalent of seven years in the life of a dog. But how many people have actually thought about what that means for their pet’s health?

It’s true that, on average, dogs and cats age up to seven times faster than people. So when you take your pet to see the veterinarian once a year, it’s about the same as making a visit to your own doctor once every seven years.

And, the faster aging process that cats and dogs experience means that serious health changes can occur in a short period of time. That’s why the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association recommends that pets have a wellness examination twice a year.

“Many health conditions in cats and dogs can be much more effectively treated if they are discovered early,” according to Dr. Maria Iannone, a veterinarian at the Evesham Veterinary Clinic in Marlton, NJ. “By conducting a routine examination and by talking with the owner about any changes that have occurred in their pet’s behavior, it is often possible for the veterinarian to identify a health problem in an early stage, before the obvious symptoms that accompany advanced disease are noticed.”

Wellness examinations are particularly important for older pets, Dr. Iannone said.

“By age two, most dogs and cats have reached maturity. At four, many are entering middle age, and by age seven many pets are considered senior,” she said. “Just like humans, older animals are at a higher risk for a number of problems, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and cancer.

“Many of these conditions are treatable if diagnosed early, which is why we like to see older animals more frequently,” she said.

A typical wellness visit will include a physical examination, immunizations, a check for heartworm and other parasites, a dental exam and consultation with the owner on diet, weight, dental health and behavior questions. Your veterinarian may also recommend baseline blood and chemistry panels and a urinalysis. For animals over six, screening for osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism (dogs) and hyperthyroidism (cats) may be recommended. Cats may also receive blood testing for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, a blood pressure check and kidney disease screening.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has joined with Fort Dodge Animal Health to declare October National Pet Wellness Month. Further information on how aging can affect pets can be found on their website at www.npwm.com.

The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association is the professional organization for the state’s licensed veterinarians. For animal health tips, or to locate a veterinarian, visit the Association’s website at www.njvma.org.