When your dog should see a vet.
This article will help you to understand when and why your dog
should see a vet.
There are cases when your dog should be examined by a vet. A visit to a vet
should be done regularly even if your dog seems absolutely healthy.
Sometimes when the illness does not show itself your professional
vet will notice it and prevent progress of disease. Dogs also should
see a vet if there are symptoms of a disease so that steps can be
taken to correct any problems.
Below you can see the information
about vet visits. In the end of this article you can find tips on vet visits.
When your dog should see a vet:
When you became an owner of
dog (regardless of his age).
It doesn't matter whether somebody gave him to you or you found your
dog on the street, or bought him from a pet store or rescued him from a
shelter, you should visit the vet for an initial checkup, despite
his age. This should be done to examine his health and to prevent
early rise of any illness.
Required Vaccinations
There is an established schedule of vaccination your vet should tell
you about. Vaccinations should be done in time. If you are an owner
of a puppy you should know that many shots are done during the first
year. Grown-up dogs also will need shots every year.
Yearly
Even if your dog gets regularly immunized or seem pretty healthy,
still it's important to visit your vet on a yearly basis so that a
professional can examine him and make sure your dog is totally
healthy.
After eating dangerous objects
from the ground like various chemicals etc.
If a dog has ingested any toxic or poisonous substances (antifreeze,
alcohol, etc.) you should immediately take him to the vet.
When your dog refuses to eat.
Most dogs are steady eaters so if your dog is not eating, it's a
strong indicator that something is wrong. If your dog seems sluggish
and has missed his meals, take him to the vet.
If your dog got into dog fight or got bitten
If your dog has been bitten by another animal (dog or otherwise),
get him to your vet quickly. It's possible that he may need
vaccination to protect him against a serious disease such as rabies.
Tips on vet visit:
-
When going to a vet it is good if your dog is socialized.
-
Show your pet love and attention, try to relax your dog with
soothing tones and a favorite toy when your are in a waiting
room at vet clinic.
-
Bring a few doggie treats or a hard bone that will distract your
dog during an exam, a procedure or a shot. It may become a
reward for a good behavior.
-
Your dog is to be muzzled according to policy of a vet clinic.
Your pet should be familiar with muzzle before vet visits.
-
If the vet needs to do some lab tests always ask why, and what
the vet hopes to find out. Make sure that the test is really
necessary, because you will be paying for it. You should always
be aware of medical procedures your dog gets through.
-
Whenever a vet suggests surgery or an expensive treatment for
your dog, get a second opinion from another vet, unless it is an
emergency and there is no time for this.
-
Do not forget about medical records of all the visits especially
shot records. You should have copies of them.
-
If this is your first time to the vets, ask about other services
they provide. Some vets have an animal behaviorist on staff that
may be able to help you with any training or behavior issue you
may have with your dog. If you have a puppy ask your vet for
obedience schools.
