MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Dec. 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pet owners can save on veterinary care expenses by embracing a preventative health care model, says HWY 403-Dundas Animal Hospital in Mississauga, ON. The veterinary hospital is proactively partnering with pet owners to reduce the risk for illness in dogs and cats through preventative health care, including annual wellness exams. Veterinary hospital director Dr. G. Sandhu recommends an annual wellness exam for all pets, including diagnostic blood work to screen for illnesses, as well as vaccination boosters, annual dental cleanings and a nutritional assessment.
HWY 403-Dundas Animal Hospital in Mississauga, ON is encouraging pet owners to embrace preventative health care for their pets. The veterinary hospital says that proactive health care will not only keep pets healthier, but also reduce the overall cost of veterinary expenses for pet owners.
"We understand that the cost of owning a pet can become very expensive, especially if the pet becomes ill and requires emergency care or surgery," said veterinary hospital director Dr. G. Sandhu. "That's why we are encouraging pet owners to embrace the preventative model of veterinary health care. With regular exams, we are able to reduce the risk for illness and keep pets healthier, which helps to hold the line on veterinary care expenditures. At the same time, pets enjoy a more active life. It's a win-win for pets and their owners."
According to Dr. Sandhu, annual exams are the foundation of good preventative health care. The veterinarian recommends an annual check-up and wellness screening for adult pets, and a semi-annual screening for senior pets.
During a wellness check-up, pets receive a full physical and diagnostic blood work. This blood work is important for detecting the warning signs of potential health problems, such as cancer or another illness, before these problems compromise a pet's overall health.
"Both dogs and cats are experts at hiding the symptoms of disease until these illnesses have significantly progressed," said Dr. Sandhu. "Consequently, pets may need emergency care or require other expensive interventions, which could have been avoided had the illness been diagnosed earlier. With regular health care screenings, our vet team is better able to detect the warning signs of illness before a pet's health is significantly compromised."
In addition to regular wellness screenings, pet vaccinations and dental cleanings are also important, says the veterinarian. Pet vaccinations protect against highly contagious illnesses including parvo, distemper and rabies, which can easily spread between pets and, in the case of rabies, affect humans.
Annual dental cleanings remove plaque buildup from along a pet's gum line, reducing the risk for oral health problems such as periodontal disease.
"Pet vaccinations and dental cleanings are two critical ways for maintaining a pet's good health," said Dr. Sandhu.
HWY 403-Dundas Animal Hospital provides comprehensive pet wellness care services. Visit http://www.vetinmississauga.com/ to learn more.