How is "preventative care" defined in veterinary practice?

In veterinary practice, "preventative care" encompasses a comprehensive approach aimed at maintaining the health of pets and preventing disease before it occurs. This typically includes a variety of routine measures designed to avert illness, among which are vaccinations and dental cleanings.

Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting animals from specific infectious diseases, while dental cleanings help maintain oral health and prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to other health complications. Preventative care may also extend to regular check-ups, parasite control, and nutritional guidance, but the essence is about proactive health management rather than reacting to existing health issues.

This broader definition helps distinguish preventative care from more specific or limited practices, such as only focusing on emergency treatments or just performing annual health checks, which do not encapsulate the ongoing routine measures necessary for optimal health maintenance.