Just like human beings, animals also need regular health checkups to ensure that they remain in good shape. Veterinarians take care of all a pet’s health needs; they examine, deworm, vaccinate, operate and treat them for injuries and illnesses, and are key players in controlling pet reproduction with spaying and neutering programs. They are the specialists to talk to for the best advice about any aspect of animal health.
For the well-being of your animal
Veterinarians are not only mandated to care for the physical health of animals, they are also experts on pet well-being, including pet psychology, boarding, diet and exercise. They can answer your questions about your pet’s behaviour or the kind of care it needs. So, be sure to ask your veterinarian about the best way to train your dog, or the safest way to transport your cat in a vehicle—the role of veterinarians is to ensure the well-being of animals in everyday life.
Regular checkups
Pets age more quickly than people, and like humans, their health deteriorates as they get older. Ask your veterinarian how often your little friend should be examined. The answer will vary according to the species, race, age and activity level of your pet. Of course, a young animal may need to see the vet more often at first in order to ascertain that it’s growing properly and that it’s receiving all the necessary vaccinations. The veterinarian will explain how to proceed if it is deemed necessary to give your pet specific care after an examination. He or she may also prescribe medication, along with all the necessary information so that the dose and the length of the treatment are followed to the letter. In this way your animal will recover as quickly as possible from illness or injury.
What happens during a veterinarian’s consultation?
- During a checkup, veterinarians ensure that the animal’s vital signs are good. They also examine the eyes, joints, abdomen, cardio-respiratory functions and lymphatic system.
- Veterinarians then ask owners a few questions about the animal’s feeding habits and behaviour. Any change in the animal’s attitude can alert veterinarians to an eventual problem.
- If necessary, veterinarians take blood samples, X-rays, ultra-sounds or any other more comprehensive examinations that can help them diagnose a health problem. It is routine for veterinarians to consult pet owners before conducting any tests that might incur extra costs.
Early detection means a better chance of recovery
Chances of recovery are much higher if an infection or an anomaly is detected at an early stage. By consulting a veterinarian, your animal can benefit from specialized care and its quality of life will be greatly improved.
