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Last Update: Sunday, Sep 10, 2023 01:28 [IST]

Preventive care of companion animals in veterinary medicine

SEVIKA GHATANI 3rd year BVsc student CVsc & AH selesih, Mizoram

In the world of healthcare, the well-being of our pets is just as important as our own. Veterinary medicine plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and happiness of our beloved pets as veterinarians diagnose and treat various illness and injuries, preventive care is an essential aspect of their practise. This article is about exploring the significance of preventive care in veterinary medicine and its contribution to the overall well-being of animals.

Preventive care in veterinary medicine is more than just vaccinations, it is an approach to maintain animals’ health and prevent the disease and conditions before they occur like the saying goes “PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE”.  The key components of preventive care in veterinary medicines are:

1.       Vaccination: vaccination is the basis of preventive care as it protects pets from various diseases. It is very important to follow the proper vaccination schedule of individual animals and protect them from deadly diseases like rabies, canine distemper and parvovirus.

2.       Regular checkups: it is an essential process for the animal’s overall health, because it monitors the diet, exercise and other essential factors. It is beneficial for the pets to follow the routine checkups as it is the only way a veterinarian can have access on the overall health of the animals.

3.       Parasite control: it is important to prevent parasites such as ticks, fleas and worms. Parasite infestation may also lead to death of an animal if left untreated or ignored as it can damage the organs. Therefore, vaccination, heartworm preventives (especially in dogs) and perhaps flea control is necessary.

4.       Dental care: it is often overlooked but should be considered an important aspect to prevent any gum diseases in pets. Regular cleaning of the tooth can prevent further tooth decay and related health issue.

5.       Nutrition and diet: it should be considered the utmost priority as it is essential for a pet’s overall health and well-being. A proper diet chart can be followed according to the age, weight, breed of an animal. It is very necessary to follow a proper diet to prevent obesity related conditions.

 

Benefits of preventive care

1.       Early disease detection: regular health check- ups of pet will help the veterinarians to detect any disease and health related issues when they are easier and less expensive to treat. It is better if the disease is detected in early stages so that treatment is possible.

2.       Cost- effective: preventive treatment can save pet owner’s money in the long run by preventing costly treatment for advanced diseases and conditions.

3.       Extended lifespan: pets that receive proper preventive care and treatment tends to live longer, healthier lives.

4.       Improved quality of life: preventive care is not just about extending lifespan; it’s about enhancing the overall quality of pet’s life.

Conclusion

Preventive care is the cornerstone of veterinary medicine not just for the longer lifespan of the animals but also to ensure their overall well-being. Regular checkups, vaccination, parasite control, dental care, and proper nutrition all contributes to a happy and healthy life for the pets. Pet owners must work hand in hand with the veterinarians and follow up well with the treatments as the owners also play an important role in their well-being. The ultimate goal is to keep your pets safe and healthy by following preventive care measures.

 

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi