5 Keys to Canine Good Health

1. Schedule Regular Check-Ups 
   Remember the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” Well, it applies to pets, too. Don’t skip your pet’s yearly exam. It’s much more expensive—and risky—to treat illnesses than to protect against them. It also makes sense to talk to your vet about personalizing your pet’s vaccine protocol. Some vaccines are optional depending on where you live and the activities you and your pet may enjoy, while others are essential in preventing serious diseases.
2. Spay or Neuter Your Pet
   Spaying or neutering your pet can save a lot of money by preventing serious health problems including uterine, ovarian and testicular cancer. Many local shelters provide resources for low-cost or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries. Visit our online database to find a low-cost program in your area. If you live in New York City, check out our mobile clinic in the five boroughs.
3. Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
   Dental disease—such as tartar, gingivitis, loose or infected teeth—can lead to heart and kidney problems and expensive procedures. Start a daily dental routine to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.
4. Protect Your Pet from Parasites 
   Flea and tick infestations can cause a host of costly medical problems from minor skin irritations to life-threatening anemia. Stick with a topical flea and tick solution to keep the critters at bay.
5. Consider Pet Health Insurance
   One of the reasons why veterinary care has become so expensive is the growth of advanced treatment procedures becoming available for pets―MRIs, cat scans and cancer treatments.  These are potentially lifesaving options for your pet, and pet insurance helps to make them more affordable for your pet.  Accidents, too, can be costly. Pet insurance is one way to take some sting out of the bill. The cost of a policy can cost about $300-$400 per year, and plans typically cover visits to any licensed veterinarian, even emergency clinics.

Thanks to the ASPCA for these helpful tips!