Did you know that more than 48 million households in the United States of America that have a dog? Part of the responsibilities of becoming a pet owner is the fact that you need to look after your pet’s well-being and health. Your pets are no different than humans when it comes to monitoring health and attending a wellness exam.
Knowing how often to take your pet to visit veterinary services is going to extend the life of your animal and allow it to live a healthy and happy life at its forever home. The good news is that you’re in the right place to learn more about how often to schedule wellness checkups for your furry friend.
Keep reading this article to learn more today!
How Often Should You Schedule a Wellness Exam?
You need to account for a number of factors when you start looking into getting your pet checked for health issues. The type of pet that you own and the breed of your pet are both important things to consider when it comes to pet wellness. A good rule of thumb is to schedule an annual wellness exam for your furry friends to monitor their health and prevent future issues.
If your pet is getting up there in age then it’s better to schedule two pet wellness visits each year. These wellness exam visits will catch health issues early on and allow you to extend the life of your pet. Pets tend to have much shorter lifespans than humans so they require more frequent visits to the vet.
What Does a Wellness Exam Entail?
Your pet’s annual wellness exam is what allows the vet to take note of your pet’s health over the course of its lifetime. They’ll make notes on things like your pet’s weight, temperature, and heart rate to get a clearer picture of your pet’s health.
The vet will also take a physical look at different aspects of your pet’s health like its ears, mouth, nose, and lymph nodes to determine if there are any things to monitor. These assessments allow the vet to know the next steps to take in order to give your pet the best life possible. Consider visiting Saltwater Animal Hospital Des Moines for your wellness exam this year.
Benefits of a Wellness Exam
Arguably the biggest benefit that you’ll note when it comes to your pet’s wellness exam is the fact that you’ll give your pet a longer life. Many people make the mistake of thinking that the typical lifespan of a dog is between seven and nine years. With consistent visits to veterinary services, it’s possible to extend your dog’s life to 12 years.
Choosing to get your pet checked by a trained veterinarian each year will catch any small issues before they become major health problems. This also means that your pet gets a happier and better quality of life. They’ll catch symptoms like heavier breathing, lumps, or issues with your pet’s heartbeat.
It’s also a great idea because it will save you a lot of money on pet wellness bills in the future. You’ll catch any issues during the early stages of your pet’s life, which gives you plenty of time to address these issues and get them under control. You can cure the issues that your pet is facing with quick and simple treatment methods.
Many issues can get fixed with small changes to their diet and exercise. These measures are much more affordable than paying for surgery for your pet.
How to Find the Best Veterinary Services
Now that you know more about how often you should get your pet checked, it’s time to dive into finding the best veterinary services near you. Many pets face anxiety with traveling in cars, so finding a good vet service near you is vital. Here’s a closer look at some tips for finding a place for your next vet visit.
Get Referrals
Many people have pets, so a great starting point for finding a place for your pet’s annual wellness exam is to ask around friends and family. Don’t be afraid to ask them for an honest assessment of the veterinary office that they use so that you can determine if it’s a good fit for your furry friends.
Check Out the Office
You should also go and visit the vet’s office before you schedule a vet visit with them to determine if it is a clean location. Take a look at it when you walk through the door and see if the floors are clean and if there are any foul odors there. Dirty vet offices are a perfect place for harmful bacteria to thrive.
Kind Staff
Another sign of a good place to take your pet for its annual wellness exam is when the staff is kind and helpful. The majority of your interactions with the vet services will be with the front office. Make sure that the staff is warm and welcoming when you call to schedule your vet appointment with the veterinarian.
Location
As mentioned earlier, many pets get anxious about riding in cars or motor vehicles. Finding a vet clinic that is nearby is a big thing to consider for your pet’s health. It will also ensure that you can get your pet to the vet in a hurry should something go wrong with their health.
You should try to find a balance between the location and the kindness of the staff. It’s better to drive a bit more to reach a clinic that you know provides the best healthcare for your pet.
Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Exam Today
The feeling that you get when you know that your pet isn’t feeling well is dreadful, but scheduling a wellness exam each year for your pet is a great way to stay on top of your pet’s health. They’ll take a look at your pet’s overall health and help you come up with preventative treatment options. Make sure that you find a kind vet service that is within a reasonable drive of your home.
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