Making sure that your dog is in tip-top health
When it comes to the health and well-being of your fur baby, no chances should be taken. Your pet is like a part of your family, and deserves medical care that is equivalent to any human being’s.
When you bring your dog to the veterinarian, there is a certain level of care that is to be expected. One way to ensure that your pet is receiving the health care that they deserve is by asking questions. But what questions should you be asking your veterinarian?
1. “Is My Pet’s Weight Healthy?”
You might not realise it, but many pets in the South Africa are actually considered to be overweight. So, it stands to reason that your pet could very well pack a few too many kilograms. For this reason, it’s important to ask your veterinarian whether or not your pet possesses an adequate weight.
A pet that is overweight is prone to a number of medical problems, from high blood pressure to skin issues to joint pain, and much, much more. In fact, it could be said that obesity is a major link to any health issue that an animal suffers. Make sure to have your vet weigh your dog so that they can determine whether or not it needs to change its overall lifestyle habits.
2. “Does My Pet Needs Its Teeth Cleaned?”
Unlike humans, dogs do not brush their teeth every day. Because of this, they’re prone to a number of oral hygiene conditions, from gingivitis to cavities to much more. In some cases, more serious conditions such as kidney failure and heart disease can be caused by poor oral health.
When you take your fur kid to your veterinary clinic, make sure to inquire as to whether or not it needs a teeth cleaning. While it’s not necessary for a dog to have its teeth cleaned daily, every once in a while there is a need to remove excess plaque and tartar. Your vet should be able to clean your pet’s teeth and should also be able to provide you with some information as to how good oral hygiene can be maintained.
3. “Are There Any Vaccines That My Pet Needs?”
In order for your dog to remain healthy and happy, you need to ensure that it’s getting all necessary and relevant vaccines. Your veterinarian will discuss with you what vaccines are needed for your pet and how often they are administered. Some vaccines must be boosted annually, while some, like rabies vaccines, can be given every three years.
4. “Is There Anything Peculiar About My Pet’s Behaviour?”
Have you been noticing anything that you deem to be abnormal about your dog? Perhaps it’s gagging often? Maybe it just isn’t moving around the way it once did? If you’re in this situation, it’s absolutely vital that you bring the problem up with your veterinarian. They can determine whether or not it’s a normal behaviour, and can then right any problems that might exist. You don’t want to let strange behaviours like this linger. They could be the sign of a serious problem that needs to be tended to as soon as possible.
5. “Does My Pet Have Any Bumps to Worry About?”
Maybe you’ve noticed some bumps and lumps on your dog? While these could be completely harmless, there’s also a chance that they’re symptoms of a more serious medical issue. Because of this, you need to alert your veterinarian to their existence and they’ll be able to tell you whether or not they’re something that should be worried about. Lumps could indicate anything from infections to cysts to cancer. If not monitored and addressed as quickly as possible, they could worsen over time.
6. “Are Blood Tests Necessary for My Pet?”
The next question you need to ask your veterinarian is whether or not a blood test is in order for your dog. While they’re extraordinarily helpful for the monitoring of an animal’s health, veterinarians will advise on the best times to carry them out. Blood tests offer relevant information on everything from kidney function to diabetes to cancer, and more. Performing these tests often will ensure that you catch your fur baby’s health issues before they become a serious problem.
7. “How Can I Keep My Pet from Getting Ticks and Fleas?”
Dealing with ticks and fleas is one of the necessary evils of being a dog. As a pet owner, you don’t always know where they come from, but they sure do come. Fortunately, there are measures which can be taken to prevent your dog from picking up ticks and fleas. There are plenty of oral and topical solutions available which can be used, for example, Seresto© from Bayer.