Early detection of illness starts with regular wellness examinations performed by the veterinarian.  Your vet may recommend tests that can discover early organ dysfunction or metabolic disorders like Diabetes, Thyroid disease, or Cushing’s disease.  Older pets will have their blood pressure checked and may have an ECG performed or an x-ray taken if a heart murmur is detected.  Catching a problem before there are any obvious symptoms greatly improves the prognosis and may even be reversible.  Symptoms mean there is damage already being done to the body.  Be sure to discuss any changes in water consumption, appetite, eliminations, and activity levels with the doctor.

Prophylactic dental care is proven to greatly reduce referred infection from the oral cavity into the heart and major organ systems.  As well as teeth brushing, your dog and cat should have a professional dental cleaning before periodontal disease becomes established.  Ultrasonic scaling and high-speed polishing of the teeth removes bacteria harboring tartar that leads to infection, pain, and tooth loss.