Most pet owners want the best for their animals, but if they seem fine, they must be fine, right? Not necessarily. Pets, especially cats are remarkably good at hiding discomfort, meaning health problems often go unnoticed until they’re much harder (and more expensive) to treat.
Preventative care isn’t just about avoiding illness, it reduces the risk of costly emergencies, keeps your pet healthier for longer, and saves you a lot of unnecessary worry. Here’s why it’s worth getting ahead of the problem rather than waiting until it’s staring you in the face, alongside an eye-watering vet bill.
1. Fewer costly vet bills
A quick check-up now is always cheaper than emergency surgery later. Many common pet health issues start small but can spiral into costly conditions if left untreated.
Small problems that turn into expensive ones:
Dental disease – That mild doggy breath? It could be a sign of gum disease, leading to tooth extractions, infections, and even organ damage. A routine dental clean costs around £250, while treating advanced dental disease can exceed £1,000.
Weight-related illness – A little extra weight might seem harmless, but obesity increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Managing diabetes alone can cost over £1,500 a year in medication, specialist food, and regular vet visits.
Joint issues – If your dog hesitates before jumping onto the sofa, it’s not just old age—it could be early arthritis. Catching it early means simple lifestyle changes, rather than lifelong pain relief and mobility aids.
The takeaway? You can either pay a little now for preventative care or a lot later for treatment.
Fewer emergency vet visits and less panic
If there’s one thing guaranteed to ruin a perfectly good evening, it’s a pet emergency. It’s always at the worst possible time, usually involving a frantic Google search and an out-of-hours vet bill that makes your eyes water.
Crises that could have been avoided:
Urinary blockages in cats – Drinking a bit more water than usual might not seem urgent, but it can be an early sign of kidney disease or a lower urinary tract disease. Left unchecked, it can develop into a full urinary blockage—requiring emergency treatment costing upwards of £1,500.
Heart conditions – A persistent cough in dogs could be an early sign of heart disease. Caught early, it can be managed with medication. Research has proven that early intervention can postpone development of heart failure for up to 15 months.
Parasite infestations – One or two fleas might not seem like a big deal… until your entire house is infested, your dog’s skin is raw from scratching, and you’re spending a fortune on treatments.
The takeaway? A little preventative care means fewer vet trips, fewer unexpected costs, and a lot less stress for both you and your pet.
Helps pets live longer and healthier lives
Preventative care isn’t just about avoiding illness—it actively helps pets live longer, happier, and more comfortable lives.
How prevention extends a pet’s life:
Dental health and organ disease – Bacteria from untreated dental infections can enter the bloodstream, damaging the heart, liver, and kidneys—shortening your pet’s lifespan.
Weight management and mobility – Obese pets live, on average, two years less than their healthy-weight counterparts. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces joint strain, heart disease, and metabolic disorders.
Routine health monitoring – Regular check-ups establish what’s “normal” for your pet, making it easier to detect small changes that could indicate a bigger issue.
The takeaway? A little effort today could mean years more with your pet.
Personalised Health Plans For Every Pet
Not every pet has the same health risks, so preventative care allows for tailored advice based on their breed, age, and lifestyle.
Why Personalised Care Matters
Breed-specific health risks – Bulldogs and Pugs often have breathing issues, while large breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds are prone to joint problems. Knowing what to watch for early means you can take steps to prevent serious issues later on.
Nutritional needs – Your pet’s ideal diet isn’t necessarily what’s on the back of the food bag. Breed, metabolism, and activity levels all factor in.
Senior pet care – Older pets often benefit from joint supplements, modified exercise, and more frequent check-ups to catch age-related health problems early.
The takeaway? A tailored approach to preventative care means fewer health problems and a better quality of life.
Simple Ways To Start Today
✔️ Book a vet check-up (routine visits help spot problems early). ✔️ Monitor their weight and behaviour (subtle changes can signal underlying issues). ✔️ Stay on top of parasite prevention and dental care (both are easier and cheaper to prevent than treat).
Checking in today could mean a happier, healthier pet and far fewer “surprise” vet trips in your future. If you have a any questions of concerns book a Vetsy appointment for just £39.
