2021 is here, and we are looking forward to a brighter and more cheerful year. This is our 25^th year serving pets and their families in the Stillwater area. We encourage pet parents to partner with us to provide each and every pet outstanding preventative care. We will take care of the veterinary side of things, and we hope these tips will make your at-home care even easier.

1.  Schedule an Annual Exam for Your Pet

It has been difficult juggling a pandemic, the kids, and everything else life throws at you. We want to encourage you to cross your pet’s annual check-up off the list. Take a moment and schedule your appointment now. You will feel better knowing you have provided your pet with the best care possible to prevent common illnesses and addressed any concerns you have regarding your pet’s health.

Senior pets are often the most vulnerable of pets and benefit from semi-annual exams

During your pet’s exam be sure to ask us about:

• Parasite prevention
• Supplements for skin and joints
• Nutrition
• Dental Care

2.  Keep Your Pet Moving and Active

Excess weight and obesity are the two most common problems facing our pets. Help your pet maintain a safe weight by keeping them up, active, and moving. Playing and engaging in moderate exercise like walks helps your pet maintain their muscle tone and reaction time. It also protects your pet’s mental wellbeing by reducing stress.

Keep your pet healthy in 2021 by:

• Engaging in daily play
• Working on training
• Going on regular walks
• Scheduling play times or doggie daycare (for dogs)
• Encouraging your kids to play with your pet

3.  Don’t Skip Your Pet’s Dental Care

A pet’s dental health is often taken for granted. Yet this is one of the more important factors of your pet’s wellbeing. 90% of dogs and 70% of cats will suffer from gum disease. Preventing gum disease extends your pet’s life and reduces the opportunity for chronic mouth pain.

We recommend you bring your pet for an annual exam which includes an oral exam and evaluation.  During this visit, we will address dental issues and schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning as necessary.

At home, you can protect your pet’s oral health by:

• Checking your pet’s mouth for broken teeth and tartar. (Schedule an appointment if you notice any.)
• Brushing your pet’s teeth daily (It takes 24 hours for plaque to harden into tartar).
• Feeding your pet a diet designed for better dental health.
• Purchasing treats and toys made to improve dental cleanliness with VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Guard) seal of approval.

Make This Year the Best Year for Your Pet’s Health

At Rivertown Animal Hospital, we remain committed to providing exceptional care for pets in the Stillwater and the Twin Cities area. We pride ourselves on offering the best preventative care for pets, as well as education for their families. If your pet is due for a checkup or vaccines, schedule an appointment now. If you have questions about a dog or cat dental cleaning, we are available to answer your questions.

We want to help your pet thrive today, tomorrow, and for as long as they can.