In terms of health, pets and humans are on equal footing. A veterinarian must assess each problem individually to determine the best course of action, considering the severity and likelihood of recurrence. If you are unsure whether your pet needs veterinary care, it is recommended to take them to the nearest animal hospital immediately. Here are some examples of crucial pet veterinary care.
Veterinary Procedures for Your Pets
You want the best for your pet, and part of that is making sure they get the attention and care they need on a daily basis. Maintaining your dog’s health over its life requires more than a balanced diet and regular walks. Here are some examples of what your vet may be able to do for your pets.
Vaccination
Vaccination is an important part of preventative care for dogs, as it is for humans. Immunity can be primed for a disease before it is encountered through dog and cat vaccinations. Dogs are typically vaccinated against various diseases, including distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Others, often categorized as non-core, such as Bordetella and Lyme disease, play critical roles in specific areas and scenarios. Talk to your doctor about which immunizations are recommended for your pet based on age, lifestyle, environment, and other factors.
Laboratory Examination
Lab work has always been suggested for sick pets, pets undergoing anesthesia, and geriatric pets, but starting pets at one year old has grown more common. It’s preferable to start your pet on a regular schedule of bloodwork and lab tests as soon as possible and then to keep them up once a year. Each year, these findings will be compared to the most recent findings and documented. If there have been any changes, the doctor will be better able to treat them. The Veterinary Wellness Clinic of Columbia can help your pets in this area.
Dental Care
Dogs have permanent teeth; therefore, they need regular dental care. Dry food, toys, frequent brushing, and veterinary dental cleanings can help maintain your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Proper dental hygiene lessens the likelihood of plaque buildup, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease if left unchecked. Extractions are frequently necessary for patients with advanced stages of dental disease. Take your pets to a cat and dog dentist to let the professionals handle their dental health.
Parasite Control
Fleas, ticks, and mange mites are examples of common external parasites. Fleas and ticks can be prevented with monthly preventative treatments, typically in the form of a body spray or “spot-on” preparation applied to the skin in the underarm. Removing the skin of affected spots can reveal live mites or their eggs, allowing for a diagnosis of mange. Red, scaly spots on the skin, or bald parts, are symptoms of mange.
Spaying or Neutering
Unless they are used for breeding, all dogs should be sterilized. This helps to reduce the number of unwanted babies and protects female dogs from contracting uterine infections or mammary cancer. When animals are spayed or neutered, their behavior often improves as a side effect. Spaying is performed on females before their first heat cycle. Letting a female go into heat or produce litter is unnecessary. The procedure is safer, and future medical advantages are greatest if performed before the first heat, or estrus, has begun. Depending on breed and size, males are often neutered between the ages of five and ten months.
