Your pet's health and wellness is a top priority for you, but knowing which preventative care steps you should be taking to prolong your pet's life can be difficult. Fortunately, by keeping just a few preventative care tips in mind (and with a little help from your veterinarian!), you can help your pet lead the healthiest and happiest life possible.

1. Have Your Pet Spayed/Neutered

One of the easiest things you can do to protect your pet's health is to simply have your pet spayed or neutered if you haven't already. This procedure removes some of your pet's reproductive parts so that he or she cannot have unwanted litters. Spaying or neutering your pet also has countless health benefits, such as reducing your pet's risk of developing certain types of cancer later in life.

2. Don't Let Vaccinations Lapse

When was the last time your pet was vaccinated? If it's been more than a year, there's a good chance your pet is due for one or more vaccines. Keeping your pet up-to-date on vaccinations is a must if you want to protect your pet from dangerous illnesses and diseases, including rabies (which is fatal in dogs and cats).

3. Schedule Annual Wellness Exams

Ideally, your pet should also see your vet at least once a year for a comprehensive health and wellness exam. These exams are great for detecting even the smallest of changes in your pet's health that could indicate the need for further testing or diagnostics. With these routine appointments, you have a much better chance at an early diagnosis for any underlying medical conditions, which improves the likelihood for successful treatment!

4. Opt for a Flea/Parasite Preventative

Regardless of whether you have an indoor or outdoor pet, it's important to have your pet on a reliable flea, tick, and parasite prevention medication. These come in a variety of forms to suit your needs, such as flea collars, topical medications, and even oral medications that can be taken once a month. These are key to protecting your pet from parasites and fleas/ticks, which can carry dangerous diseases and viruses as well.

A little bit of prevention can go a long way when it comes to your pet's health. If your pet is due for a routine exam, vaccinations, or any other preventative care service, now would be a great time to schedule an appointment with a local and reputable animal clinic.

Contact a company like Parkview Animal Hospital for more information and assistance.