Cat Care Clinic

Posted on: 10 June 2015

Most pet owners just wait until their furry friends fall ill before seeking veterinary care, and many of them are amazed at how quickly vet bills rack up. A good pet wellness plan can be instrumental in circumventing unpleasant financial surprises and can also result in your pet enjoying a better quality of life. Monthly premiums are generally less than $25, and as anyone who has ever had to face the prospect of having to put a beloved pet to sleep because proposed veterinary costs are too high for them to handle, the investment could end up being well worth it. Following are five things that you can expect from a good pet wellness plan.

Regular Checkups

As opposed to actual pet insurance, which works much like your own personal health insurance policy, a pet wellness plan is based on preventative maintenance. You should expect significant discounts for regular checkups as a part of your plan. These checkups can catch potential problems while they're still small enough to be treated relatively inexpensively.

Routine Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations should also be a part of a good pet wellness plan. These vaccinations will protect your pet against distemper, parvo, rabies, and hepatitis. If heartworm is present in your geographical location, your plan may cover it as well. Booster shots are also covered.

Early-Screening Diagnostic Tests

Routine diagnostic tests are instrumental in early detection of disease and chronic conditions. They include testing your pet for Lyme disease, testing fecal matter for internal parasites, and doing complete bloodwork and urinalysis procedures.

Dental Exams and Teeth Cleaning

Basic oral hygiene is a part of keeping your pet as healthy as possible, so you should expect twice-yearly teeth cleanings to be a part of your pet wellness plan. Your vet should also perform a thorough dental exam at this time.

Discounts on Products

Almost all vet clinics carry pet care products, and many pet owners find it convenient to purchase these items at the clinics rather than make an extra trip to a pet care retailer. A pet wellness plan that provides a discount on grooming and health products can result in significant savings.

Also, it's a good idea to check with your vet to see if the specific pet wellness plan offered by the clinic can be customized to meet the individual needs of your furry friend. For instance, if your breed is susceptible to developing certain health issues, a wellness plan that incorporates testing and any possible preventative treatment for those issues will be in the best interests of your pet.