The proverb “prevention is better than cure” is true for humans, canines and felines. 

Veterinarian Kirsten Ingwersen, from Durham Street Veterinary Clinic said comprehensive vet care services are design to keep your pet in the best of health.

“There are a range of typically prophylactic treatments including vaccinations, heartworm prevention, intestinal worming and control, flea control, nutrition and regular health checks,” she said. “These  are things which the population of pets as a whole should have to optimise their future health.” 

Maintaining a regular health regime for your pets is also more cost-effective.

“If we can keep animals healthy before they get sick it ends up being a lot cheaper for people,” she said.

Simple measures such as regular checks can catch issues in the early stages and ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date can be life-saving.

These shots can protect animals against serious conditions  including Parvovirus in dogs or the feline plague.

“We’ve had a resurgence of feline plague in Australia in the last two years,” she said. “For 25 years we really haven’t seen any cases, but it is back. One of the common clinical signs of this disease is death. The animal goes from being a little unwell to dying half a day or a day later.

“It’s particularly nasty because cats which succumb to it usually haven’t had vaccinations. Vaccinations are very effective, but we seem to have become a little lax as a cat owning population in recent years and we are probably seeing a resurgence of it as a result.”

Though there are no reported cases yet in Bathurst, both Sydney and Melbourne have had outbreaks in the last 12 months.

“It is only a matter of time until we see it in other parts of Australia and it is one example of why preventative health care is really quite important,” Ms Ingwersen said.

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Brushing your pet’s teeth is simply not done often enough, Ms Ingwersen said. She recommends cleaning your dog’s teeth once a day with a special toothbrush from the vet or pet store.

“It is not just about the animal’s immediate health. Having poor dental health can lead to disease in other areas of the body. It can cause liver disease, kidney disease or problems with the heart valve,” she said.  

“Brushing can have a much greater impact than dental sticks or diet, but there is a bit of knack to it, so talk to your vet or vet nurse before you begin. It is different to brushing your own teeth.”

“There is a vast difference between the dog foods which you can purchase from a pet store or vet and what you buy from a supermarket,” Ms Ingwersen said. “And I believe in general it is worth spending as much as you can afford, because nutrition is key for future health.” 

Regular check ups or communication with your vet helps ensure animals get the best individualised care. 

“If you are worried about something, we’re happy if you give us a call,” she said.