An Animal Hospital Serving Maryland

Pet Wellness is sometimes overlooked just as it often is in humans. After all, who in their right mind goes to the hospital when they are feeling just fine? Here's the problem, unlike humans, animals cannot communicate to us that they are not feeling fine. Other animals may pick this up instantly, but often we don't. In order to discover hidden illnesses or impending health issues we should rely upon routine pet examinations.

Sure, you may be thinking that your pet eats healthy pet foods, has no outward symptoms of bad health, and the pet vaccination program is up to date, what could go wrong? Quite a bit actually, but only by practicing that proverbial ounce of prevention will the pound of cure ever materialize.

That happens to hold true for the health of your pet as it does for any member of your family!

Annual wellness pet examinations will help determine the general well being of your pet and identify potential problems. Early detection and treatment may solve the problem before serious complications set in, possibly shortening the lifespan of your pet or at least negatively impacting its quality of life.

This could be something as simple as a pet vaccination, skin dermatitis (flea bite allergies, generally in felines) or an ear infection. Without an exam, it may never be discovered.

Typical Pet Wellness Coverage

Most wellness pet plans are canine and feline in nature and orientation. They generally include treatments and services necessary for a pet to remain in good health throughout its lifespan. The cost may be broken down into monthly installments or can be paid in a lump-sum, at the owner's discretion.

Veterinary Services covered are usually of the routine variety and may include:

• vaccinations - rabies has no cure and can only be treated when detected early
• Intestinal worm and heartworm detection - heartworm being of vital importance to avoid
• Spay or neuter procedures protection - your responsibility as a pet owner
• Behavior, dietary and training advice - "It's time to start using a wellness cat food"
• Free physical exams for any health problems that arise during the terms of the plan
• Toenail trims - keep them looking good and healthy
• Anal gland care - the pet's least liked experience, as you may well imagine

Some Services That Are Not Usually Covered by a Plan

Pet dental, holistic pet products, surgery (except for spay and neuter on puppy and kitten plans), comprehensive lab work ups and diagnostic tests, hospitalization, and medication are generally not included in the wellness plans.

Senior Pet Health

Senior dogs and cats (ages 8 years and above) are at greater risk for many types of diseases and health conditions. Because of this fact, there are many wellness plans geared just for the 'seniors". These plans may include comprehensive lab work and x-rays to help identify and treat common conditions early on. That just makes sense.

Interested in learning more about wellness plans? Look up pet wellness insurance or petwellness online and you find quite a bit of information. The Banfield Pet Hospital Wellness Plan in our opinion is one of the better ones available.