Home > > > Top 7 Preventative Care Tips for Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Top 7 Preventative Care Tips for Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Author : Hot Springs Animal Hospital | Published On : 18 Mar 2026

Pets cannot tell us when something feels “a little off.” That is why small problems can turn into big ones before you notice. Preventive habits help you spot changes early and avoid many common illnesses.

If you are looking for preventative pet care in Murrieta, the goal is simple: keep your pet comfortable, active, and protected all year. These seven tips cover the basics that make the biggest difference for most dogs and cats.

1) Schedule routine wellness exams (even when your pet seems fine)

A healthy looking pet can still have hidden issues like dental disease, early arthritis, or weight gain. Regular exams give your vet a baseline so they can catch changes faster.

A good schedule to ask about:

  • Adult pets: at least once per year

  • Senior pets or pets with health issues: often every 6 months

During an exam, your vet checks weight, skin and coat, eyes and ears, joints, heart and lungs, and overall body condition. Bring notes about any changes you have seen, even if they seem minor (sleep, thirst, appetite, breath, limping, behavior).

To book a preventive checkup and stay ahead of problems, start here: Pet Wellness Exam in Murrieta.

2) Keep vaccines current based on lifestyle (not guesswork)

Vaccines help protect your pet from serious diseases, and some are required by law (like rabies). But vaccine needs can also change based on your pet’s lifestyle.

Tell your vet if your pet:

  • Goes to dog parks

  • Boards or goes to grooming

  • Hikes or spends time in tall grass

  • Meets other pets often

  • Travels

Ask your vet which vaccines are core, which are optional, and when boosters are due. Keep a copy of your pet’s vaccine record in your phone so it is easy to access.

3) Use parasite prevention year-round

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites are not just “gross.” They can cause itching, skin infections, anemia, and digestive issues. Some parasites can also affect people.

Basic prevention steps:

  • Use a vet-recommended flea and tick preventive

  • Ask if your pet also needs heartworm prevention

  • Do routine stool checks when your vet suggests it

  • Wash bedding often, especially during warm months

Do not rely on home sprays or random products from the shelf. The wrong dose or product can be unsafe, and some parasites are resistant to certain treatments.

4) Protect dental health (it affects the whole body)

Dental disease is one of the most common issues in adult pets. Bad breath is often the first sign, but the real concern is infection. Oral bacteria can affect overall health if it spreads.

What you can do at home:

  • Brush teeth several times per week (daily is best)

  • Use pet-safe toothpaste only

  • Offer dental chews approved by your vet

  • Watch for red gums, drooling, or trouble eating

Also ask your vet to check teeth at every wellness visit. If your pet needs a professional cleaning, do it sooner rather than later. Dental problems do not improve on their own.

5) Feed for a healthy weight, not just a “full bowl”

Extra weight puts stress on joints and can raise the risk of diabetes and other health problems. Many pets gain weight slowly, so it can be hard to notice until it is significant.

Simple ways to prevent weight creep:

  • Measure food with a scoop or scale

  • Limit treats to about 10 percent of daily calories

  • Avoid table scraps (especially fatty foods)

  • Recheck your pet’s weight every few months

If your pet begs or seems hungry, talk to your vet before increasing food. Sometimes the answer is different food, more fiber, or better portion planning, not bigger servings.

6) Make daily movement part of the routine

Exercise supports weight control, heart health, and mental health. It also reduces boredom, which can lead to chewing, digging, and anxiety behaviors.

Try this:

  • Dogs: 1 to 2 walks daily (adjust for age and breed), plus short play sessions

  • Cats: 10 to 15 minutes of active play once or twice daily (wand toys, laser, chase games)

For seniors, movement still matters, but it should be gentle and consistent. If your pet limps, pants more than normal, or struggles to stand, ask your vet about joint support.

7) Watch for small changes and act early

Preventative pet care in Murrieta is not only about clinic visits. It is also about what you notice at home.

Track changes in:

  • Appetite or water intake

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Energy level and sleep

  • Weight (up or down)

  • Lumps, bumps, or skin changes

  • Coughing, sneezing, or bad breath

  • Behavior (hiding, irritability, anxiety)

If something feels off for more than a day or two, call your vet. Early care is usually simpler and less costly than waiting.

A simple preventative care checklist you can start this week

If you want an easy plan, start here:

  • Pick your pet’s next wellness exam date

  • Confirm vaccines and parasite prevention products

  • Brush teeth 3 times this week

  • Measure food portions for 7 days

  • Add one extra play or walk session per day

If you want help building a clear preventive plan for your pet’s age and lifestyle, reach out to a Local Animal hospital in Murrieta.