Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Best Practices for Every Stage of Your Pet’s Life

Pet parenting 101: Raising a pet comes with joy, responsibility, and—let’s face it—lots of questions. Am I doing enough? Did I miss something important? At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we understand that pets are family, and we’re here to help you feel confident in every decision you make for your four-legged kids. That’s why we’ve created this essential Pet Parenting 101 guide, packed with tips based on the best pet parent practices. From choosing the right dog wellness plan to brushing your cat’s teeth, here’s what every pet parent should know.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Schedule Bi-Annual Vet Appointments for Wellness at Every Age

Your pet ages much faster than you do—six months for them is like 3.5 years for us. That’s why we recommend bi-annual wellness visits. Pets can’t tell you when something’s wrong, so it’s our job to help catch concerns early. We’ll help you build a personalized wellness plan and support you through every stage of your pet’s life, from puppy and kittenhood to their golden years.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Choosing Healthy Dog & Cat Food

You may be wondering: am I feeding my pet the best diet possible? With so many options on the market, it’s tough to know what’s right. Whether your dog has skin sensitivities or your cat needs a kidney-friendly formula, we can help you select high-quality food that supports their health. Let’s talk about your pet’s nutritional needs and develop a plan that makes sense for your household.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Dog & Cat Vaccines – It’s a Lifetime Commitment

Vaccines are one of the most important parts of preventive care. They protect your pet against potentially life-threatening diseases, including rabies, feline leukemia, and canine influenza. And vaccines aren’t just for puppies and kittens—they’re needed throughout your pet’s life. We’ll work with you to build a vaccine schedule as part of their comprehensive wellness plan.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Anesthesia Dental Work – Is It Really Necessary?

Yes, and here’s why. Dental disease can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Anesthesia allows us to safely clean below the gumline, perform x-rays, and address any issues without causing your pet stress or pain. Routine dental care isn’t just about fresh breath—it’s about preventing infections and protecting your pet’s overall health.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Blood Work for Dogs and Cats

Routine blood work plays a critical role in your pet’s health. It helps us detect hidden illnesses like diabetes, thyroid issues, and liver disease before symptoms appear. It’s also how we check for tick-borne diseases and heartworms—both of which are common in our region. Early detection saves lives and helps us treat your pet effectively. 

Learn more about how we can help detect and prevent issues in your pet by watching this video:

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Prevent Parasites – Say Goodbye to Worms in Dog Poop

No one wants to discover worms in their dog’s poop—or deal with fleas and ticks. Routine parasite prevention protects your pet (and your household) from dangerous parasites year-round. We’ll help you choose the right products and make sure they stay protected with a prevention plan that fits your lifestyle.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Enrichment with Dog Puzzle Toys and Cat Activities

Your pet’s brain needs exercise, too! Mental stimulation is key to preventing boredom and anxiety. Dog puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and interactive cat towers are great ways to keep your pets engaged and happy. Looking for ideas? Ask us about enrichment tools tailored to your pet’s age and energy level.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Compare Pet Insurance Options With Our Help

Pet insurance has come a long way in the last decade. But with so many providers and plans, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we offer pet insurance comparisons to help you make the right choice. Whether you’re looking for accident-only or comprehensive coverage, we can help you understand your options and protect your budget.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Why Pet Microchipping Matters

How can something the size of a grain of rice help keep you and your pet together for life? A microchip gives your pet a permanent form of ID—one that can’t fall off or be removed. It’s one of the simplest and most effective tools in lost pet recovery. Want to learn more? Check out our complete blog on pet microchipping here.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Don’t Forget the Groomer (Or Grooming at Home!)

Grooming isn’t just for looks—it’s part of your pet’s health routine. Regular brushing, nail trims, bathing, ear cleaning, and dental care keep your pet comfortable and prevent problems like matting or skin infections. Whether you prefer professional groomers or a DIY approach, we’ll help you build a grooming schedule that works.

Cat & Dog Wellness Plan: Join Our Family

Being a great pet parent means staying curious, staying informed, and showing up for your pet every day. At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you do just that. Check back here monthly in our blogs as we dive deeper into each of these topics—so you can keep learning, growing, and giving your pet the happiest, healthiest life possible.

Want to schedule your pet’s next wellness visit or talk about their care plan? Call us at (843) 648-4787 or book online today. We look forward to seeing you!

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital in Mount Pleasant, SC, is part of a locally owned, family-owned network of animal hospitals known as Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry. Our network 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 North MP and Hwy 41