When it comes to pet health myths, we’ve heard them all. From the bizarre to the mundane, it’s interesting to see what gets passed around the pet owner grapevine with animal preventative care in Shirley. We’ll bust a few of these myths here so that you get the facts you need to keep your pet happy and healthy.
My Pet Doesn’t Need Vaccines
We hear this one plenty from indoor cat owners or with dogs that don’t tend to interact with other canines. While it sounds straightforward, this myth can seriously harm your pet. There are a number of diseases that your veterinarian vaccinates for that don’t just come from interacting with other cats and dogs. Rabies is the scariest of these, and can be spread by many different animals to your pet. A quick trip in the yard could land your dog in a frightening situation with the local wildlife. Even in the city, there are plenty of disease-carrying animals.
New York’s wildlife can expose your pets to several diseases
Leptospirosis is another life-threatening illness, and it can be found just in the soil. Water is another common carrier of disease, both directly and through mosquitos that thrive there. Getting your pets vaccinated is always going to be one of the cornerstones of proper preventative care.
Animals Only Need a Vet When They Get Sick
This is one of the most common myths, and honestly we get it. When your pet seems to be healthy, it can seem like it’s easier (and cheaper) to only take them in when you notice that something has gone wrong. The truth is that treatments for serious medical conditions are almost always cheaper if your vet can diagnose a disease in its early stages. You’ll have more time to explore your options, figuring out what’s right for your situation. No one wants to see the bill after an emergency surgery, especially if they know it could have been avoided with much cheaper options. Getting your animal in for preventative care in Shirley will save you big in the long run.
Dental Cleanings Aren’t As Important as Medical Care
Your pet’s teeth and gums are just as important (if not more so) as the rest of their body! When something goes wrong with their dental health, it can drastically affect their overall wellbeing. They may stop eating to avoid pain, or develop an infection that affects other organs.
If you have any questions about animal preventative care in the Shirley area, please feel free to reach out to us at Shirley Veterinary Hospital.
Animal preventative care in Shirley