Part of being the best pet owner that you can be is giving your furry family unconditional love, an exorbitant amount of belly rubs and back scratches, their daily grub, the occasional treat, keeping up with routine vaccinations, and stopping in at the vet to make sure everything is tickety-boo.  

It’s this last point that we want to address. 

Regular vet check-ups play a vital role in maintaining your pet’s health, detecting potential issues early, and ensuring a long and happy life. The problem is that life moves at a rapid pace and we’re busier than ever. As a result, there are more pet owners in South Africa than we’d care to admit who often overlook the importance of these routine visits.  

Unfortunately, failing to book a check-up with your vet can put your pet at risk. Let’s review the reasons how regular check-ups can impact the health and wellbeing of your furry companions. 

Establishing A Relationship With Your Vet 

You’d think that we would start with ‘early detection,’ but actually, building a strong relationship with your veterinarian is crucial. You see, visiting the vet more regularly enables your pet’s physician to become familiar with their unique personality, medical history, and individual needs.  

Moreover, walking a road with a trusted veterinarian gives you access to valuable guidance and support throughout your pet’s life, from puppyhood (or kittenhood) to their senior years. Sadly, becoming a pet parent doesn’t automatically imbue you with pet-rearing knowledge, so having a vet who can help you navigate the challenges of pet ownership and ensure that your pet receives the best possible care at every stage of their life is incredibly useful. 

We should also say that this familiarity can be particularly beneficial in times of emergency or when dealing with complex health issues. 

Preventive Care And Early Detection 

It’s quite common to visit the vet to treat something that we’re aware of, right? But actually, if you make a point of visiting the vet regularly, you can focus on preventive care.  

During a routine check-up, your pet undergoes a comprehensive physical examination. This includes checking over your pet’s body condition, assessing your pet’s weight, and providing essential vaccinations to protect against common diseases. It’s also during this time that potential issues will be looked for, like dental problems, heart conditions, and cancer.  

Detecting issues early is when they are often more treatable and less costly, so really, don’t think of these appointments as ‘routine’ and a waste of money. Early detection can save your pet from unnecessary suffering and you from the financial burden of treating advanced conditions.  

The Cost of Neglecting Regular Check-Ups 

It’s understandable that we would think of going to the vet, especially when our pets are well, as an added expense. The thing is the cost of neglecting vet check-ups can be much higher in the long run. As you can imagine, untreated health issues can quickly escalate, leading to more expensive treatments, prolonged suffering for your pet, and even the risk of premature death. 

In South Africa, the cost of treating advanced medical conditions can be a significant financial burden for many pet owners, so by prioritising regular check-ups and preventive care, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of facing such costly medical emergencies. 

Tailored Advice And Guidance 

Visiting a vet once every few years deprives you of the chance to receive personalised recommendations based on your pet’s history, idiosyncrasies, age, breed, and individual needs. But if you’ve built a relationship with your vet, you can discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your pet’s health and behaviour. Added to that, visiting your vet routinely also means that you can benefit from valuable insights and receive advice on ways to address any issues. This way, you can ensure that your pet remains happy and healthy. 

Feel informed?  

The simplest way to help alleviate the financial burden of pet healthcare is to take out a pet insurance policy for your beloved pet. By getting pet insurance, you can cover the costs of routine check-ups, vaccinations, and unexpected medical emergencies – and avoid paying for all this out of your own pocket. 

What we would say, is that when choosing a pet insurance plan, it’s important to carefully review the levels of cover available, as well as the exclusions and limitations. Ultimately, the best option is the comprehensive level of cover because it tends to include routine care, dental care, and emergency treatment. That said, even the more basic options can be useful.