Mission Veterinary Hospital “Road Map for Health”

Bringing home your new pet is a very exciting time.  Be sure to have bedding, toys, litter boxes, and good quality food ready for when your new family member comes home. 

We all know that puppies and kittens are adorable, but the sad truth is that there are far more pets in the world than homes for them.  Spaying and neutering at 6 months of age helps reverse the tragedy of pet overpopulation, as well as reducing the risk of deadly, costly medical problems including infection and cancer.  It also can have positive effects on your pet's behavior.

Over 70% of pets over 3 years of age have some form of dental disease including gingivitis, tartar formation, and halitosis.  Untreated, dental disease contributes to abscessed teeth that are loose and painful, blood borne infections that affect kidney and heart health and ultimately decrease the life expectancy of pets.  Young animals can also be affected by crowding, retained baby teeth or unerupted teeth that can accelerate the development of dental disease as they age.

Many diseases will show changes on blood testing before the animal actually begins to show signs of disease.  In the liver and kidney, for example, more than 75% of the organ function may be lost before the pet exhibits signs of failure and by then it is difficult to intervene with treatment.  Regular blood testing will alert us to special anesthesia requirements in order to make sedation and anesthetics as safe as possible.  Regular blood testing also allows us to establish a baseline health profile for each pet.  This profile helps the vet to make quicker, more accurate diagnoses in the future.

We care deeply for both our patients and our clients, and veterinarians are the first line of defense for public health.  Kissing a pet that is potentially infested with intestinal parasites is not only gross but can also be hazardous to human health.  Heavy worm burdens in puppies have been associated with allergies as they get older, and can hinder proper development in otherwise healthy puppies and kittens.

We strive to provide excellence in veterinary medicine, and the information in veterinary medicine is expanding at an exponential rate.  Pets age on average 4 times faster, and need more frequent exams than people do.  In order to nurture the human-animal bond, we have to make sure our pets are healthy.  The best way to ensure a healthy pet is to have your veterinarian place their hands on your pet at least twice yearly and do what they do best – perform a complete physical examination and make preventive health recommendations.

We care deeply for our patients and want the best health and longevity for them.  Because you are what you eat, good nutrition is a priority.  The veterinary team is the best source of nutritional knowledge to you, the pet owner.  Studies show that proper nutrition, in the right amounts, can increase the longevity of pets on average 2 years.  Good nutrition and a healthy body condition score contribute to a healthy, long-lived pet.

We want to keep pets with their families all of their lives.  The number one reason for surrendering pets to shelters is poor behavior.  A well behaved pet is a joy to have and take with you everywhere.  Regular exercise is good for you and your pet and something fun to do together.  Also, there is a lot of truth to the phrase that “a tired dog is a good dog”.

Everybody wants to be loved! That includes your pet. Spend time brushing or snuggling with your pet to help lower blood pressure and increase sense of well-being.  Take a break and spend it with your pet. You will be glad that you did.

Mission Vet Hospital is proud to offer “Puppy Parties” to dogs under 6 months of age.  These parties offer an important socialization opportunity as well as tips on training, nail trims, and lots of fun!

Whether your pet is going with you on holidays, or going to a kennel while you are away, be sure to prepare in advance.  Different areas may have different vaccine, deworming, or other health requirements.  A fully stocked first-aid kit is a must when going to areas where a vet may not be immediately available in case of an emergency.