Routine wellness care is one of the best ways to ensure that your pet lives a long, healthy life. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings can detect issues before they become serious, prevent the onset of diseases, and keep your pet in peak condition. Here are 8 diseases that you can prevent with regular wellness care for your pet.

1. Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of affected pets. Both dogs and cats are at risk, as heartworms are spread through mosquito bites. Heartworm disease can be difficult and expensive to treat once it has been established, but it’s entirely preventable with regular use of heartworm preventatives and yearly blood tests.

  • Prevention: Use monthly heartworm prevention medications and schedule annual blood tests to detect heartworm early.
  • Learn more: Visit our Parasite Prevention Services to keep your pet safe from heartworms.

2. Rabies

Rabies is a fatal virus that affects the nervous system of animals and humans. It is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The rabies vaccine is the most effective way to protect your pet, and it’s required by law in many areas, including Arizona. Ensuring that your pet receives timely rabies vaccinations can prevent this deadly disease.

  • Prevention: Ensure that your pet is vaccinated against rabies and stays up to date with booster shots.

3. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can affect both pets and people who are bitten by an infected tick. Lyme disease can cause fever, joint pain, lethargy, and more serious complications like kidney failure if left untreated. While Lyme disease can be difficult to treat, it is easily preventable through routine tick prevention, annual Lyme vaccinations, and screening tests during wellness visits.

  • Prevention: Regular tick prevention treatments and vaccinations can protect your pet.

4. Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a highly contagious and often deadly virus that primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs. It attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Luckily, parvovirus can be prevented through timely puppy vaccinations and regular boosters throughout your pet’s life.

  • Prevention: Ensure that your puppy receives its full set of vaccinations and stays on schedule for booster shots.

5. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a leading cause of death in cats, especially those that spend time outdoors. This virus weakens the immune system, making cats susceptible to other infections and certain cancers. While FeLV cannot be cured, it can be prevented through vaccinations and regular wellness checks to detect the disease early.

  • Prevention: Vaccinate your cat against FeLV, especially if they go outdoors or interact with other cats.

6. Canine Influenza

Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can spread easily in places where dogs socialize, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, and daycares. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fever, and difficulty breathing. The canine flu vaccine is an effective way to protect your dog from this illness, especially if they frequently interact with other dogs.

  • Prevention: Keep your dog protected by getting the canine flu vaccine.

7. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that pets can contract through contaminated water or soil. Dogs that spend time in areas with standing water, such as lakes or streams, near wildlife, or live in cities with rodents are particularly at risk. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, and liver or kidney damage.

  • Prevention: The leptospirosis vaccine is an effective preventive measure, especially for outdoor-loving dogs.

8. Dental Disease

While dental disease isn’t an infectious illness, it is a common and preventable condition that can significantly affect your pet’s health. Untreated dental disease can lead to tooth loss, pain, and even organ damage. Routine exams and recommended dental cleanings can prevent severe dental disease and keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

  • Prevention: Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are key to preventing dental disease.

Prioritize Routine Wellness Care

Routine wellness care is essential in preventing serious diseases that can impact your pet’s quality of life. At Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital, we are committed to providing preventive care services that help your pet avoid these common, yet preventable, diseases. Schedule your pet’s next wellness visit today and ensure they are protected from preventable diseases.