There’s no doubt my patients and cases are interesting, rewarding and sometimes frustrating. On occasions something all at the same time! Although, the fact that every pet has an owner, means I deal with many different people on a daily basis. It’s these interactions which hold some of my favourite memories. Rather than lingering over old memories, I suppose it’s that time of year to once again look forward and consider the New Year. For many, the fresh start brings some focus to life. These thoughts often turn to diet and exercise, perhaps making up for holiday overindulgence. There’s more to consider when it comes to our pets though, and as the old saying goes, prevention (in this case preventative care) is often better than cure.

Here are some considerations:

• A regular visit to your vet is the best way to stay ahead of potential problems. At our surgeries, a thorough clinical exam is always part of your pet’s annual vaccinations. Having a good baseline of information about your pet also gives the vet something to compare to when determining exactly what is wrong with your pet.
• Regular exercise has obvious health benefits, but it is also a great time to bond with our pets. A simple daily walk helps a dog learn manners, provides some good quality time together and does wonders for the human counterpart too! Keeping pets at their correct body weight reduces the risk of heart and joint problems, diabetes, and many other illnesses.
• Like humans, pets that eat poor-quality food are just not as healthy as those that are fed a well-balanced diet. Poor skin, coat, muscle tone, dental disease and obesity problems can all be a result of an inadequate diet. Also, pets are not humans and a diet rich in table scraps is not a healthy one.
• No one wants to be around a pet whose skin crawls. Constant itching for example can be extremely debilitating for pets and owners alike. Preventative care in the form of regular internal and external parasite control is essential. Not only does it make your pet more pleasing to be around but it is much healthier for your pet.

At our Yeovil and Sherborne surgeries, we are always available to help with your pets’ New Year’s resolutions; whether it is the right parasite protection or diet advice for your new pet! Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.