Pet care 101: Regular exams, vaccinations help pets live long, healthy life

Most of us go to the doctor for annual checkups and other health screenings (and if we don't, we know we should). We get regular teeth cleanings. Preventive care can help avert more serious medical issues -- and the bills that go with them.

The same is true for your pets. Dogs and cats make great companions -- you want to keep them around. We've put together a list of basic health guidelines for your four-legged friends. Contact your vet for further information.

WELLNESS EXAMS

Pets require regular checkups, just like you or your children. In your animal's case, these exams should be done twice a year. Because pets can't tell you what's wrong, regular checkups allow your veterinarian to assess their general well-being and identify potential problems or diseases.

During the checkup the vet will examine your cat or dog from nose to tail. Eye examinations, for example, can reveal health issues ranging from anemia to high blood pressure and kidney problems, among others.

In addition to external observations, the checkup also includes using a stethoscope to listen to the pet's heart and lungs to detect heart disease or respiratory problems. Your animal's reproductive system will also be checked, and the vet may discuss the value of spaying or neutering your pet.

Also, be prepared to give a complete history of your pet's health.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccines help prevent many illnesses that affect your pets, and are one of the best ways to ensure a long, healthy life. There are different vaccinations for cats and dogs, and for individual diseases.

For cats, The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends core vaccines -- considered vital to all cats -- to protect against panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline calici virus, feline herpes virus type I (rhinotracheitis) and rabies. Additional non-core vaccines are also available and can be discussed with your vet.

If you have a kitten, your veterinarian can begin to administer a series of vaccines at three- or four-week intervals when the kitten is 6 to 8 weeks old.

As for dogs, not all dogs need to be vaccinated for every disease. In 2006, the American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Task Force published a revised version of guidelines regarding canine vaccinations. Its core vaccines are for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies. Other dog vaccines are divided into non-core and non-recommended categories.

Starting at 6 to 8 weeks old, puppies should receive a series of vaccinations with a combination vaccine product that protects against parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis.

Vaccines can come with risks for both cats and dogs. Be sure to discuss these risks with your vet.

SENIOR PETS

Pets age at a faster rate than humans; they may experience age-related health changes before you realize it. Some giant breeds of dogs, for example, are considered "senior" at 5 years old. It may be 10 to 13 years old for smaller breeds and even older for cats. Regardless of the age, when pets reach their golden years routine blood testing, urinalysis (urine testing) and other tests are recommended.

Much like humans, as pets age, weight and mobility become factors, as well as osteoarthritis, diabetes and thyroid imbalance, among other conditions. Therefore, as your pet gets older, regular exams become even more vital. For senior pets, the checkup will likely include more bloodwork and lab testing.

Sources: Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, ASPCA.org