Our animal companions rely on us to keep them staying as happy and healthy as possible. After all, it’s an integral part of being a responsible pet owner.

 

One of the simplest ways we can do that is by booking our pet in for a regular health check - a pet MOT with your local vet.

 

Prevention is Better Than Cure

A trip to the veterinary practice is not just reserved for when something’s wrong. These annual or twice-yearly visits can catch things early, keep your pet in great shape and give you peace of mind that your pet’s living the best life they can.

 

What Happens at a Pet MOT?

These check-ups enable the vet to give your pet a top-to-tail check. They’ll look at their weight, coat, heart rate, joints, teeth and overall behaviour.

 

Pet MOTs offer a fantastic opportunity to chat through any concerns you may have with your vet, receive advice and help keep vaccinations and parasitic treatments on track.

 

Spotting the Small Stuff Early

It’s in these simple, but important moments, that a vet may spot something you might miss - a small lump, dental issue or early signs of arthritis that can be treated before they get worse.

 

Remember Dental Health

Our pet’s dental health can often get overlooked. Issues like a sore tooth or inflamed gums can be very painful and lead to bigger health issues later on.

 

A vet check can make it easier to spot early signs of dental disease, tartar build-up or infection.

 

Talk to your vet team and ask for advice on how best to keep your pet’s teeth clean. They’re bound to have some simple, but very effective tips to help you look after those pearly whites.

 

Cats: Masters of Disguise

If you’re a cat owner, you’ll almost certainly know that our fabulous felines are absolute masters at hiding pain or discomfort.

 

So, even if your cat seems fine on the surface, a regular health check can uncover things you were unaware of – leading to early detection which can make all the difference to their quality of life.

 

Keep an Eye Out for Changes

Although one check-up a year is usually enough for healthy adult pets, it can be helpful to book them in more regularly if you notice a change in your pet’s behaviour or something feels off.

 

Extra TLC for Senior Pets

As our animal companions head into their senior years, they will almost certainly need a bit of extra care.

 

Just like people, ageing pets are more likely to develop health issues.

 

Maybe you notice them slowing down on walks or struggling with stairs. Perhaps they’re just not quite acting like their bouncy selves anymore.

 

It’s at this stage in a pet’s life when a regular health MOT is vital.

 

Subtle Signs Your Vet Can Spot

Your vet can pick up on subtle changes like arthritis, weight loss, kidney issues or sight and hearing changes.

 

During a health check, your vet can help you make little tweaks to your pet’s lifestyle that can really improve their comfort and quality of life.

 

Check in with your vet as many practices offer senior pet health clinics. These visits will help your super senior stay as comfortable, active and happy as they can.

 

Got an Anxious Pet? You’re Not Alone

Sometimes we can put off these important MOTs because our pets get anxious.

 

Maybe our cat vanishes at the sight of a carrier or our nervous dog starts whining or barking before we’ve even left the house or got in the car.

 

Top Tips for Calmer Vet Visits

If your pet’s a bit on edge when it’s time for their MOT, speak to a vet or pet professional about it in advance.

 

Get your pet used to their carrier or the car with short, positive trips. Bring along a favourite toy or blanket to help them feel more secure.

 

Above all, stay calm and upbeat. Our pets are brilliant at reading our mood, so if we’re nervous, they’ll almost certainly pick up on it.

 

If your pet finds it all just a bit too much, speak to your local vet in advance. Some vets now offer ‘fear-free’ visits or they might be able to schedule quieter times so your animal companion can stay as calm as possible.

 

Another option may be to use calming sprays and pheromone diffusers to help settle nerves before and during the trip. Just ask your vet what they’d recommend.

 

One Small Act That Makes a Big Difference

Although there’s lots we can do at home to keep our pets as healthy as possible - such as grooming, body and behaviour checks and teeth brushing - there’s no substitute for that regular check-in with your vet.

 

They know what to look for. They can spot the small stuff before it becomes a big issue and they will help you keep your pet feeling their best, year after year.

 

So, please book your beloved pet in for that health MOT. A simple check today could save problems tomorrow - and give you and your pet many more happy, healthy years together.