Vets say prevention is better than cure…for pets too!

On this World Veterinary Day (28 April) the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is reminding pet owners that developing a preventive healthcare plan is one of the best things they can do for their pet.

AVA President, Dr Paula Parker, said that Australia has experienced a shift in the way people think about their veterinarian – a shift, which she says is for the better.

“The 2016 Animal Medicines Australia Report¹ revealed that while the majority of people previously viewed the role of their vet as someone to treat illness, in 2016 they were increasingly turning to their vet to help prevent illness and disease in their pets.

“This means that more and more, people are looking for ways to prevent their pets from becoming sick and, as we all know, ‘prevention is better than cure’. So, this is definitely a positive shift in terms of the health and welfare of Australian pets,” Dr Parker said.

Dr Parker says that the key for pet owners will be to develop a preventive healthcare plan for their pet from the beginning in consultation with their veterinarian. The plan should take into account feeding a quality pet food, as well as providing appropriate amounts of exercise, socialisation and mental stimulation. Ensuring their pet has up-to-date vaccinations and following through on annual veterinary check ups are critical to preventing illness but also to identifying and treating any problems early on.

“Veterinarians should be the first port of call when it comes to any questions or concerns that pet owners have in relation to their pet’s health and welfare. It’s also beneficial to develop a long-term relationship with your vet because it means your vet will be familiar with your pet, its needs and its medical history and is therefore best-placed to make any recommendations regarding their individual healthcare needs.

It’s really important for owners to have an open and trusted relationship with their vet, much like they would with their own GP,” Dr Parker said.

Reference

1. Animal Medicines Australia Pet Ownership Report - http://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AMA_Pet-Ownership-in-Australia-2016-Report_sml.pdf

For further information and requests for interviews contact the AVA media office on 0439 628 898 or media@ava.com.au.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the only national association representing veterinarians in Australia. Founded in 1921, the AVA today represents 9000 members working in all areas of animal science, health, and welfare.