Your dog is your best companion, so you must help him or her to live a healthier life to enjoy the experience for an extended period. Pet care is critical since it provides preventive remedies
Frequency of Taking Your Dog to the Vet?
The age and breed of your dog determine the frequency you can take it to the vet. When your puppy is three weeks old, the vet will give it dewormer medication and check its overall health. Until they reach 16 weeks, puppies should receive vaccines every three to four weeks. During each visit, your pet will get a vaccination for kennel cough and rabies.
A professional vet can guide you through the pet care process, and they will tell you when to return for wellness sessions. When your dog reaches six months, you should consider spaying. Consulting your vet is vital so they prepare a schedule for your appointments for pet care.
You should take a healthy adult dog to a veterinary clinic at least once a year for preventive care, general checkups, receive boosters, and necessary vaccinations. An annual appointment to the vet for your dog is vital since these animals age faster than human beings.
Once your dog reaches seven to 10 years old, it is recommended that you should take it at least twice a year to the veterinarian. A dog’s lifespan is around 15 years, so it must get special care as it ages. On top of vaccinations, your vet will conduct physical exams, and blood and urine tests to check its liver and kidney health. These tests are also conducted to test the pet’s thyroid hormone levels to provide it with appropriate treatment.
During the physical examination of your dog, the vet checks different aspects of its health including its weight, condition of their skin, coat, and eyes. The veterinarian will also check your pet’s mouth and teeth for tartar build-up. They also check for lymph nodes and examine the heart, and lungs for irregularities. Additionally, the vet will also take feces samples to check for parasites that can affect your dog’s overall health.
When it comes to very mature dogs, you should know that they require regular visits to the veterinarian. These pets often exhibit extraordinary behavior that shows they need extra care. Therefore, you should take them to the vet regularly for checkups. In some cases, your dog may suddenly lose weight, begin to drink more water, and pee more, or it may become disoriented and get easily distracted. Some of the symptoms might indicate the beginning of thyroid disease, kidney disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart disease, or other illnesses. Once your furry friend begins showing unusual changes, you should immediately take her to the vet.
Dogs With Health Issues
If your dog has health issues, it requires close monitoring by a veterinarian. Based on the risks that exist in the area where you live, you’ll need frequent visits to the vet to ensure that your dog gets the best health care. For example, in places where ticks are common, you should regularly visit the vet for Lyme disease tests. Other dogs might be affected by climatic conditions, especially when you relocate to another state. Therefore, make sure you visit your nearest vet as soon as you settle in a new place.
Dealing With a Pregnant Dog
Allowing a female dog to have several heat cycles before breeding it makes it develop physically to become a better mother. It is vital to breed responsibly to safeguard the mother’s and offspring’s health. Breeding should not be specifically meant for income-generating or fun. You should consult a veterinarian first to do the right thing.
Once your dog becomes pregnant, be sure to have a prenatal appointment with your vet. Your veterinarian will schedule the necessary follow-up checkups and advise on the best nutritional needs of your dog during pregnancy. The gestation period for your pregnant dog usually takes 63 days.
When to Take Your Dog to the Vet Immediately
Since your dog cannot talk, you might not be sure if she is not feeling well. Checking your dog for behavior changes is critical to help you take appropriate action. Minor ailments may be treated at home, but try calling your vet for advice. Those with pet insurance can access 24/7 vet assistance.
If your dog has experienced severe injury or facing an imminent death threat, you should immediately carry it to your nearest emergency vet clinic. Some of the life-threatening situations that require a quick trip to the vet include the following:
- Blood stools
- Diarrhea or vomiting for more than six hours
- Breathing challenges
- Your dog is constantly collapsing
- Drop or sharp rise in body temperature
- Trouble standing or walking
- Fast or weak pulse
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
No matter how severe the situation may appear, remain calm and try to keep your dog stable. Secure the dog for everyone’s safety when you take it to the vet clinic. Your pet might be aggressive, so ensure you closely monitor it along the way to the vet.
Your dog requires regular medical checkups just like you. The only difference is that your pet cannot talk, so you must know when to visit a veterinarian. A visit to the vet ensures that your dog’s health is in good shape always. When you observe unusual changes in your dog’s behavior, schedule an appointment with your vet immediately.