Our Five Point Plan To Health And Wellness

All patients benefit from Dr. Ensign’s Five-Point Plan for Health and Wellness, which covers training, dental hygiene, nutrition and exercise, vaccinations, and the benefits of spaying and neutering. Questions on each of these areas are welcome and encouraged during visits.

  • Proper Training – Behavior problems are the number one reason that dogs are put to sleep. “People go into new pet relationships with the best of intentions,” says Dr. Ensign, “but they are often unrealistic about the time it takes to train a puppy. It takes patience and reinforcing the good behaviors that you are striving for. Many health problems in dogs and cats are direct results of stress from families not understanding their pet’s needs.”

  • Proper Dental Hygiene – Teach your pets when they are young to tolerate a toothbrush. There are flavored pastes available to make it more palatable, or simply dip the brush into some peroxide and give them a quick scrubbing several times per week. Poor dental hygiene causes enormous pain, tooth loss and will shorten your pet’s life.

  • Good Nutrition & Exercise – Weight control is another important aspect of your pet’s overall health. Just as with humans, being overweight can lead to serious health problems. Overweight pets have a shorter lifespan by at least two years. To avoid this, quality pet food should be the main staple of your pet’s diet. Like us, they also need exercise. Even if you can’t take them for a long walk in the park, make time to play or toss their favorite toy. Anything that gets them moving makes a difference.

  • Up-to-date Vaccinations – Simply put, keeping pets up to date on their shots wards off a host of debilitating diseases and gives them the longest and highest quality of life possible.

  • Spay & Neuter – Spaying or neutering your pet offers a world of benefits, for the health of your pet and for society at large: 1) It helps to prevent unwanted behaviors such as marking, humping and aggression; 2) Cancer is also a common problem in the reproductive organs of dogs and cats so spaying and neutering will ensure the longest, healthiest life possible; 3) It is the responsible thing to do; thousands of homeless kittens and puppies are born each year and end up being put to sleep.