Preventative care isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about keeping your pet happy, active, and thriving. Many health problems, like joint pain, dental disease, skin allergies, and obesity, can be prevented or managed before they cause serious harm.
By understanding what to look out for and taking action early, you can help your pet stay healthy, avoid discomfort, and reduce the need for long-term treatments which also makes pet care a lot cheaper in the long-run.
1. Early detection: spotting problems before they get serious
Pets instinctively hide signs of illness—by the time symptoms are obvious, the condition could be more advanced and harder to treat. Catching small changes early can mean easier treatment, less discomfort, and better long-term health.
Signs to look out for:
Subtle weight changes (could signal thyroid issues or diabetes)
A minor limp or stiffness (early arthritis or joint pain)
Changes in coat condition or appetite (potential digestive or organ issues)
How You Can Help:
Perform monthly check-ups at home (feel for lumps, check for weight loss, monitor movement)
Track changes in your pet’s appetite, energy, and toilet habits
Book a vet consultation if you notice anything unusual—sooner is always better
Fact: Catching a health issue early can reduce treatment costs by up to 50% compared to waiting until symptoms worsen.
2. Dental health: more than just fresh breath
Dental disease is one of the most common but overlooked pet health issues. 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over age three have some form of gum disease, which can lead to pain, infections, and even damage to the heart and kidneys.
Signs to look out for:
Bad breath (often the first sign of gum disease)
Red or swollen gums (inflammation can lead to tooth loss)
Difficulty eating or chewing on one side (could indicate pain or infection)
How you can help:
Brush your pet’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste (even a few times a week makes a difference)
Use dental chews to help reduce plaque buildup
Monitor eating habits—if they seem hesitant to eat, check their teeth
Fact: Untreated gum disease can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to kidney, liver, and heart disease over time.
3. Joint & mobility support: keeping pets active for life
Joint problems often start long before you see obvious signs. 35% of dogs and 40% of cats experience joint pain or stiffness, but early intervention can reduce pain and keep them active for longer.
Signs to look out for:
Hesitation before jumping or climbing stairs
Sleeping more than usual or avoiding play
Stiffness after resting
How you can help:
Keep pets at a healthy weight to reduce joint strain
Encourage gentle movement like short walks and climbing spaces
Consider joint supplements for at-risk breeds
Fact: 40% of cats over 12 years old show signs of arthritis, but many owners miss it because cats hide discomfort.
4. Weight management: a simple way to prevent disease
Over 60% of dogs and 53% of cats are overweight, which increases the risk of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan.
Signs to look out for:
Loss of a visible waistline (your pet should have a slight tuck at the belly)
Struggling to jump or move easily
Increased hunger or begging (overfeeding leads to weight gain)
How you can help:
Measure food portions (stop “eyeballing” and use a measuring cup)
Encourage daily movement (even light play for senior pets helps)
Monitor weight changes and adjust food intake as needed
Fact: Losing just 6% of excess weight can significantly reduce arthritis pain.
5. Skin & coat health: your pet’s first line of defense
Your pet’s skin and coat can reveal a lot about their overall health. Allergies, infections, and nutritional deficiencies often show up first in their skin and fur.
Signs to look out for:
Excessive licking or scratching (often an early sign of allergies)
Red patches or ear infections (could be a bacterial or yeast infection)
Dry, flaky skin or fur loss (potential nutritional imbalance)
How you can help:
Regularly check their skin and ears for irritation or redness
Feed a high-quality diet rich in omega-3s to support coat health
Use hypoallergenic shampoos and flea prevention to reduce irritation
Fact: Food allergies often cause skin problems and digestive issues, not just itching.
6. Vaccinations & parasite prevention: protection against serious illness
Vaccinations protect against life-threatening diseases like parvovirus, leptospirosis, and feline leukaemia, while parasite prevention helps avoid fleas, ticks, and worms that can cause serious infections and long-term health issues.
Signs to look out for:
Lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite (could indicate an underlying infection)
Excessive scratching or red, inflamed skin (possible flea or mite infestation)
Scooting or bloated belly (signs of intestinal worms)
How you can help:
Stay on top of routine vaccinations and booster shots
Use flea, tick, and worm prevention treatments year-round
Keep an eye on skin condition and coat health for signs of parasites
Fact: Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, meaning an untreated flea problem can lead to intestinal parasites.
Preventative Care Checklist
✅ Monitor weight, skin, energy levels, and appetite ✅ Watch for subtle changes in movement and behaviour ✅ Keep up with routine check-ups and parasite prevention ✅ Book an online vet consultation if you notice anything unusual
