Routine Pet Care: Why Regular Checkups Matter for Your Pet's Long-Term Health

Routine veterinary care is one of the most important ways to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy, and comfortable life. Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, annual (or biannual) checkups allow us to catch issues early, maintain preventive protection, and monitor your pet's overall well-being.

At Shuler Veterinary Clinic, we believe proactive medicine is the best medicine. Here's why routine care matters, especially for pets in the Lowcountry.

Routine Pet Care: Early Detection Leads to Better Outcomes

Pets are experts at hiding discomfort and illness. Regular wellness exams allow our veterinary team to detect subtle changes long before symptoms become obvious or conditions become advanced.

Routine exams help identify:

  • Early dental disease
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Skin allergies or infections
  • Ear and eye problems
  • Heart or lung abnormalities
  • Arthritis or mobility issues

When health concerns are caught early, treatment is easier, more effective, and often less costly for pet owners.

Routine Pet Care: Preventive Medicine Protects Your Pet Year-Round

The Lowcountry's warm climate means fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and parasites are active almost all year. Staying consistent with preventive care is essential.

Routine visits help ensure your pet stays protected with:

  • Heartworm prevention
  • Flea and tick control
  • Intestinal parasite screening
  • Vaccinations tailored to lifestyle and risk

These preventive measures keep your pet healthy and also protect your family and community.

Routine Pet Care: Nutrition, Weight & Lifestyle Support

Your pet's needs can change over time, especially as they age. During routine exams, we evaluate your pet's diet, activity level, and overall lifestyle to make personalized recommendations.

We can help with:

  • Weight management plans
  • Senior pet support
  • Joint health
  • Skin and allergy management
  • Behavioral guidance
  • Breed-specific risks

Routine care ensures your pet's health plan grows with them.

Routine Pet Care: Dental Health Is Essential

Dental disease affects more than 80% of pets by age three, and untreated dental issues can impact the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Routine care includes:

  • Oral exams
  • Monitoring tartar buildup
  • Dental cleanings when needed
  • At-home dental care guidance

Healthy teeth lead to a happier, more comfortable pet.

Routine Pet Care: A Quick Note About Pet Insurance & Trupanion

Routine care is one of the best ways to avoid unexpected medical issues, but sometimes illnesses and injuries still occur. That's where pet insurance can help.

For pet families who want financial peace of mind, insurance can make unplanned treatment more affordable, especially for chronic conditions, emergencies, and diagnostics.

Shuler Veterinary Clinic is part of a network that partners with Trupanion, offering:

  • Fast, direct claims processing through their VetPortal
  • Coverage decisions within minutes
  • Direct payment to our hospital on eligible claims

This partnership makes it easier for pet parents to say "yes" to recommended care when their pets need it most.

Learn more about pet insurance by watching this video: What is Pet Insurance?

 

Routine Pet Care: Your Lowcountry Partner in Lifelong Wellness

At Shuler Veterinary Clinic, our mission is to help pets live healthier, happier lives through proactive, personalized care. Routine visits allow us to build a strong relationship with you and your pet, monitor their health over time, and prevent small issues from becoming big problems.

If your pet is due for a wellness exam, vaccines, or preventive care, we're here to help. Call us at (843) 884-4494 or request an appointment online today.

Shuler Veterinary Clinic is proud to be part of Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry, a family-owned network of practices that includes:

  • Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital – South Mount Pleasant SC, at Coleman Blvd and Old Village
  • Shuler Veterinary Clinic – Central Mount Pleasant SC, at Town Center
  • Safe Harbor Animal Hospital – North Mount Pleasant SC, at Hwy 41

Together, we're committed to providing exceptional care to every pet, at every stage of life.