More and more pet parents are choosing to sign their pets up for wellness plans with their vet. Our Springfield vets are here to discuss the benefits and why you might choose to sign up for one too.
We never want to think about our pets needing veterinary care, this is why it is a good idea to be proactive. Along with pet insurance, a pet wellness plan can help to make sure that your pet has easy access to routine vet care to help stop the need for more extensive veterinary care later in life.
Benefits Of Wellness Plans
As a pet owner, you know it's a big responsibility to make sure your cat or dog lives a happy, healthy life. There are several ways to do this: providing affection, play, and exercise, a good diet... and routine preventive vet care. Wellness Plans offer a chance for your vet team to monitor the health and well-being of your pet, and that can help them live longer and happier.
1. Preventive Care
Prevention is almost always the best 'treatment' when it comes to health. It can be more affordable to ensure that our animal friends don't develop preventable illnesses or conditions in the first place, and by taking your cat or dog in for their regular veterinary checkups any potential issues can be caught early. Early detection leads to better outcomes from treatment or management.
2. Support Good Pet Care
If you have easy access to something, you're more likely to use it regularly – and this includes your pet's health care services. More veterinary checkups can mean a healthier pooch or kitty at home, making your job of providing their daily ongoing care easier!
3. Budgeting
Wellness Plans can help you to budget more easily, which makes it less stressful to head to the vet for your pet's routine or urgent care. Pet insurance and wellness plans can be a source of security; most of the care services that your loving cat or dog could need will be covered by them, rather than having to pay for treatment unexpectedly out of pocket.
4. Discounts
Signing up for Wellness Plans can help you to save money! Many offer discounts on routine services, although each veterinary office will include or exclude different services. Contact your veterinarian today to find out about their wellness plans and what they do or don't cover.
5. Be Prepared For Emergencies
Pet owners dread the thought of their pets being injured or becoming ill, but it's important to be ready. A lot of wellness plans include a set number of veterinary examinations as part of the package, which can be very helpful when it comes to getting urgent care for your dog or cat.
6. Unique Plans For Unique Pets
Every pet is special and has unique needs. While there are obvious differences in plans for cats vs. dogs, there are also differences between different sizes of dogs! A giant breed dog has different health and wellness needs from a small dog breed. Speak with your veterinarian for help selecting the best plan for you and your pet!
Wellness Plans For Dogs
For your canine companion, wellness plans often include:
- Routine wellness exams
- Core vaccinations
- Bloodwork
- Annual heartworm & tick disease testing
- Bi-annual intestinal parasite screenings
- Bi-annual wellness exam with bordetella
- 12-month supply of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Wellness Plans For Cats
Your feline friend's wellness plan will usually include:
- Routine wellness exams
- Annual core vaccination
- Bi-annual intestinal parasite screenings
- 12-month supply of flea & tick prevention
Remember: pet insurance and wellness plans are different things! Wellness plans focus mostly on routine preventive care services; pet insurance is geared towards emergency care and ongoing health conditions.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.