MA Pet Care: Why the Annual Veterinary Check-Up is Essential
When you stop and think about the fact that dogs and cats age approximately six to seven times the rate that humans do, it becomes even more essential to schedule an annual veterinary check-up to make sure your pet is healthy. Our pets can’t tell us if they have mouth pain, get an upset stomach when they eat a particular food, of that they have trouble walking. Vet care for cats and dogs includes a thorough exam, bloodwork, and fecal testing at Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth to ensure that your pet is in good health. The sooner signs of disease or other conditions are recognized and treated, the better prognosis your pet will have for recovery so they can lead a long and healthy life. Vaccinations, preventive treatments, and dental care for pets can also help to contribute to their longevity.
What to Expect
Bringing your pet to the animal hospital in Dartmouth does not have to be a traumatic event. Take time to read over the FAQ (frequently asked questions) page on our website or call our office if you have any questions. You can expect that our veterinary team will check your pet’s weight, ask you questions about their diet, activity level, age, and any concerns that you might have about their well-being. Vet care for cats and dogs should also include checking vital signs and a complete nose-to-tail physical exam. A good visual inspection also looks to see if your pet has clear eyes, clean skin, and a shiny coat. Some conditions and poor nutrition can contribute to certain symptoms, so your veterinarian might recommend a change in diet or the addition of supplements.
Your pet’s ears will be checked, and our team will listen to your pet’s lungs and heart to ensure a normal and healthy rhythm. If any abnormalities are detected at any stage of the examination, the veterinarian will request additional testing. Basic dental care for pets includes an exam of your pet’s mouth to check for rotted or loose teeth, infected gums, and any other related problems. A professional cleaning may be suggested, or instructions might be provided for at-home cleaning of your pet’s teeth. If your pet does not have any serious problems, your veterinarian will likely sit down with you to discuss things like preventive treatments for fleas and ticks, vaccination schedules, and offer information about microchipping, spaying and neutering, if you have not done those things yet.
More Frequent Exams
There are certain stages in your pet’s life when more frequent exams may be required outside of the annual veterinary check-up. Puppies and kittens will generally have more appointments, as they have to come back in for vaccinations, booster shots, testing, and vitals checks to ensure that they are growing and developing properly. Senior pets may require twice-yearly visits to make sure they are healthy and are not having any mobility or pain issues that are difficult to detect. Other adult pets may also need to see the veterinarian more often, especially if they are undergoing treatment for any particular diseases or conditions, are breeding and giving birth to puppies or kittens.
Pet owners who engage in play dates, take their pets to local dog parks, board their pets while they travel, or take their pets out of the country may also require additional visits. Increased check-ups, vaccinations, testing, and other services may be necessary to meet the demands of the boarding facility, prevent your pet from getting sick when interacting with other pets, or to ensure that they are protected when leaving the United States. Even if you don’t take your pet outside the home often, neighborhood pets, local wildlife, and other visitors might bring things to your backyard and household that could negatively affect your pets. Exams, vaccinations, and preventive treatments can keep your pet safe, regardless of their lifestyle and travel habits.
Quality Care Since 1975
Anchor Animal Hospital Dartmouth has provided quality vet care for cats and dogs, as well as many other common domesticated animals in the Southcoast area since 1975. We take pride in the level of care and services that we offer, including annual veterinary check-up, ongoing treatments and preventives, dental care for pets, surgical services, emergency veterinary care, and much more. We are a team of highly trained and knowledgeable veterinary professionals who believe in compassion and excellent communication with our clients. When you visit our facility, you can expect to receive personalized and professional attention, as well as services that include the latest techniques and technology to provide the very best in veterinary medicine, surgery, and preventive veterinary services for your pet.
Contact our team by calling 508-996-3731 to schedule your annual veterinary check-up, speak with a representative about your pet’s needs, or to learn more about our services. Located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, we serve local pets throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island.