Our pets are our family and just like humans our fur babies need regular vet visits and check-ups. When you consider that our pets age at approximately six to seven times the rate that we do you can have a better understanding of why these visits are so critical. Ideally, your dog should be seen at the very least annually, and more frequently as they get older or if they have medical needs. If our pets could talk they would be able to tell us if they felt ill or hurt, unfortunately, unlike our pets we as humans do not have the instincts do to know if they are not at 100%.
Regular visits also play a large part in the prevention of any medical issues or illnesses your pet may face, such as heart warm, arthritis and dental disease. Even if your dog seems fit and healthy to you, there is still a chance of underlying issues that can be spotted by your local veterinarian.
In addition, our pets often associate visiting the vet only when they’re ill or hurt- this can lead to anxiety and stressful experiences at their appointments. Having your little one at the vet while they’re healthy as well, will help them to get acclimated and feel safe each time they go. It is important that you as the pet owner also remain calm and speak in a soothing voice as to not excite or upset your dog as they are very in tune to the emotions our voices.
What to Expect during the Check-up
During the checkup, you will want to report any changes in your pet’s behavior such as loss of appetite, coughing, emotional changes, weakness, fatigue, loose stools, or any other odd or erratic behavior that you may have witnessed. Your vet will also ask for you to bring a fecal sample in for testing.
Here is a list of what you can expect at your pet’s annual/bi-annual examination:
• Checking weight, heart rate and temperature (average temp should read 101 to 102.5 Fahrenheit)
• Inspecting skin, eyes, ears, and coat
• Listening to heart and lungs
• Running their hands over their abdomen to check for any unusual sign
• Palpating vital organs such as liver and kidneys
• Looking at teeth and gums
• Scan their microchip (if they have one) to make sure it’s working properly
At the completion of the exam your veterinarian will discuss any findings and any preventive measures they might recommend. Often these will include flea and tick medicine as well as heartworm preventative and supplements. They will also discuss the role of vaccinations and what your pet needs. Some doctors will also talk with you about microchipping your pet. It is important to heed the advice of your veterinarian and follow any recommendations that can help your pet to thrive.
With regular visits to the vet you can rest assured your pet will have a long and fulfilling love filled with love. For information on how to find your furever pet, please visit: premierpets.com today.