3 Common Conditions to Target This Fall

Fall is upon us. This season is the perfect time to market unique services at your veterinary practice. One easy way to do this is to promote preventative care and bring awareness to common conditions that pets may have. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, they have reported that only 42% of cats and 62% of dogs receive regular preventative care. Below are some conditions that you can highlight to encourage pet parents to make pet wellness appointments at your facility.

Obesity

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that approximately fifty-three percent of dogs and fifty-eight percent of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. This number is predicted to rise, as 90 percent of owners did not recognize that their obese pets weighed more than they should. Make sure you offer nutritional counseling, exercise programs or supplements in your clinic for owners to help their pet lose weight in a healthy and safe way.

Arthritis

Arthritis affects many pets, due to age, weight and other health factors. It is important to remind pet parents that many pets may have arthritic conditions but may not be indicating it outwardly or seem distressed. This is especially common with cats, as symptoms are incredibly subtle. One study by Clarke and Bennett, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, just five out of eighty-six cat joints with osteoarthritis had decreased range of motion. Be sure to keep pet owners informed especially if their pet is elderly or overweight. Explain how weight contributes to arthritis, leading into a discussion of joint-management diets and supplements.

Oral Health  

The most common clinical condition, Periodontal disease, is the most untreated condition in both cats and dogs. Most pets have some evidence of periodontal disease by the age of three. This is totally preventable! Because there are usually no signs, owners tend to overlook this condition. Offer to train owners how to brush their pet’s teeth at home, sell dog and cat-friendly toothbrushes in your office, and make sure they schedule professional teeth cleanings annually.

By promoting preventative services in the office, on your veterinary website and on social media to combat these conditions can help generate more frequent visits to your office. If you need assistance on marketing yourself for these services and more, please contact VetNetwork to help expand your patient base.