There’s nothing better than having a happy pup in the home, tail wagging, with the pitter-patter of paws sounding off as they play with the family. Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but they’re truly everyone’s best friend when you think about it.
And because dogs are such valued members of the family that keep us happy, it’s all the more important that they’re taken care of in every way possible. That means keeping them fed, making sure they get exercise, and, of course, ensuring their care needs are being met.
Unfortunately, some dog owners don't take their pets to the veterinarian on a regular basis. In fact, some dog owners don't take their canine companions to the vet at all, which can be very dangerous to their health and wellness.
To help you better understand your pet’s care needs, we're going to go through some of the most common questions that dog owners have when it comes to going to the veterinarian.
Please read this next part carefully. Dogs ABSOLUTELY need to go to the vet. Full stop. No question about it. In the same way you and your family require ongoing medical services and attention, so too does your dog.
At a minimum, you should be taking your dog for a comprehensive exam at least once per year. During this exam, your veterinarian will check your dog’s joints, eyes, coat, teeth, and growth and development. This is how your vet will discover if your dog is experiencing any problems or is in danger of developing an issue.
For instance, some breeds of dogs are predisposed to certain conditions like hip dysplasia or respiratory issues. By taking your dog in for regular check-ups, you can stay ahead of these issues and start implementing solutions before they become too problematic.
Of course, if you notice that your dog is sick, injured, or otherwise acting strangely, you should not hesitate to bring them in immediately to get checked out.
It’s always difficult to get your dog to do something you know they don't want to do. All the whining, crying, and struggling can make the thought of taking them unbearable. What you have to remember is that you’re taking them to the veterinarian for their own good. Even if they don’t know it, vet appointments are critical for keeping them happy and healthy.
When it comes to dog anxiety, going to the vet is usually a triggering event. Try to be patient and keep your dog as calm as possible. Sometimes it helps to take your dog on a nice long walk or day at the park before going to the vet. That way, they’re too tired to feel anxious or scared.
There are a few big benefits to taking your dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis, especially if you have an older dog or a dog that is predisposed to issues.
You should consider a combination of experience, quality, and convenience when selecting a veterinarian for your dog. Look at their customer reviews and their experience working with dogs. A clinic location that is close to home will probably also be important to you. Try starting by asking family and friends for recommendations or with a Google search for “vet clinic near me” or something similar.
This is also an excellent time to start thinking about a pet insurance plan for your dog. Pet insurance works similarly to insurance for humans. It can help pet parents afford the veterinary care services their dog needs by offsetting some of the cost. Pet insurance is an especially good idea if you have a dog that is outdoors a lot and is, thereby, at a higher risk to incur injury or illness. Any dog could incur an unexpected ailment, so it’s best to enroll your dog in pet insurance sooner rather than later to ensure they’re covered when an illness or injury occurs.
