When it comes to your pet, you want to be sure that you are doing everything possible to give them a long and healthy life. But pet health is not the same as human health, and if you have never had a pet before you may be confused about how best to care for them. Fortunately, Hilton Veterinary Hospital in New York is here to help.

Below, their expert veterinarians share five pet health tips.

5 Ways to Keep Your Pet in the Best Health Ever

1. Visit the Vet Once a Year

Soon after getting your pet, find a trusted veterinary clinic for yearly checkups. During these checkups, the vet will assess your pet’s weight, dietary and exercise habits, and overall health. These exams allow your vet to detect and provide early intervention for any developing conditions.

2. Keep Their Vaccines Up-to-Date

The vaccines your pets receive protect against a wide range of diseases including rabies and distemper. The amount of vaccinations your pet will need and their vaccine schedule is dependent on the animal and breed—consult with your vet to learn more.

3. Help Pets Maintain a Healthy Weight

One of the easiest ways to protect your pet’s health is by helping them to maintain an ideal weight. Similar to humans, pets require a nutritious diet and adequate exercise to maintain a healthy weight. If you are worried about your pet’s weight, discuss this with your vet during their yearly check-up. 

4. Avoid Fleas, Ticks & Heartworms

If your pet spends a lot of time outside, they are susceptible to contracting parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms. These parasites can rapidly deteriorate your pet’s health and affect their quality of life. During pet wellness exams, discuss prevention and treatment options for these parasites with your vet.

5. Spay & Neuter Your Pets

Unless you are planning to breed your pet, you should have them spayed or neutered. In addition to avoiding the stress of having household items damaged by your pet while they are in heat, you can also protect female pets from developing dangerous tumors. If you are planning on breeding your pet, visit a reproductive veterinarian to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to breed.

If you live in the Hilton area and need a checkup for your pet, call (585) 392-2937 to schedule an appointment at Hilton Veterinary Hospital. For more pet health tips or for information on other veterinary services, visit the Hilton Veterinary Hospital website today.