One of the most tedious parts of being a pet owner can be taking Fido and Fluffy in for their regular checkups with the veterinarian. It might be tempting to blow them off because you think your pet is in perfectly good health. After all, if you have an emergency you can just use one of those 24 hour vet clinics. However, there are a number of reasons you need to make that appointment and get them checked out. It could even save you from having to use one of the emergency animal hospitals.
The most obvious reason to take them in is to make sure they’re free of bugs and parasites. Fleas and ticks are obvious contenders to harm your pet’s health, but there are others such as heartworms and tapeworms that could be causing problems too. While you can usually spot fleas and ticks and remove them yourself, these parasites need to be checked for and handled by a professional. That’s part of the vaccinations to ensure your pet is always getting during those check-ups, and for good reason. They can do a lot of damage if left unchecked, so be sure to take advantage of these veterinary services when you can.
Dental health is another important factor you might want to get checked. It’s an easily forgotten part of your pet’s health, but research shows that approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats can show signs of dental disease by three years of age. This could eventually lead to a variety of problems including loose teeth, loss of appetite and chronic pain. Usually, dental health can be improved with your vet’s help and that’s another thing they check on during your yearly visits. They’ll be able to tell you if the amount of tartar buildup gets to a dangerous point for your pet so that you can work on improving it.
The third reason that these appointments are important is just as a general check-in. A lot can happen in a year, and if your pet has been acting a little strangely you should mention it. Particularly if they’re older, as that could indicate something is wrong. And that’s something the 24 hour vet may not be able to help you with as opposed to your regular vet, as they keep your information from every visit.
It can be a struggle to find time to take your pet to the checkup every year (particularly if you multiple and have to keep up with all of their appointments) but vets are there to help you with these common issues to make sure your furry friend stays in tip-top shape. If you are really concerned your pet is having a problem, go to the 24 hour vet clinic. Otherwise, it’s best to let your regular veterinarian take a look at them first.
