Why Your Pet Needs Regular Veterinary Check-Ups in Dartmouth
One of the best ways to take care of your pet and prevent common illnesses, diseases, and other issues that can affect typical domesticated animals, is to bring them in for a regular veterinary check-up at your local animal hospital in Dartmouth. Vaccinations, dental care for pets, and preventive measures, such as flea and heartworm treatment for dogs and cats, can help to keep them safe and give them a long and healthy life. Your vet will let you know how often your pet should come in to be seen. Older pets may require more frequent visits, as will pets that are being treated for an illness or other condition.
What a Veterinary Check-Up Can Do
While the benefits of veterinary visits are obvious, there are some other important advantages that many people might overlook. Every pet owner has wished at some point that their furry friend could “speak” to them and tell them what was going on, whether they were in pain or if they needed something. A visit with your veterinarian can reveal details and information that you might not be able to see otherwise. Is your dog itchy because he has dry skin or because he has a parasitic condition? Does your cat have an upset stomach that is causing her to eat less or does she have a dental problem? These are things that your veterinarian knows to look for during a veterinary check-up.
Dogs and cats are said to age as much as seven times the rate of humans, so the physical health issues that we face as we get older, can occur more rapidly throughout the years in our pets. Speak with the experts at Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth to find out if your cat or dog would benefit from check-ups every three, six or twelve months, depending on his or her health. At minimum, yearly exams can be extremely beneficial, helping your veterinarian to stay on top of things like vaccinations, vital statistics, and other preventive measures that can help to spot early signals for common diseases, illnesses, and other issues. The earlier these problems can be addressed, the better your pet’s chances for a full recovery.
Dental Care for Pets
If you have ever watched old western TV shows and movies, you have likely seen the cowboys checking the teeth of horses before purchasing them. Dental health is an important indicator of the overall health of the animal. Dental care for pets can be provided as part of your regular veterinary check-up routine. Your veterinarian can show you ways that you can keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean between appointments, which can reduce the amount of professional dental care for pets that is required. Annual cleanings and check-ups can determine whether other measures and treatments are needed.
Heartworm Treatment for Dogs
Different parts of the country require different vaccinations and preventive scheduling. In the southern states, year-round heartworm treatment for dogs and sometimes also for cats, can be extremely beneficial. However, in the northeastern states, heartworm preventives may only be given in the late spring to early fall, depending on where you live and the lifestyle of your pet. When you come for your veterinary check-up, make sure to ask about preventive treatments for common problems in New England, such as ticks and fleas. Many of these treatment options can be given at home, but need to be prescribed by a veterinarian to ensure that they are being given properly. Don’t skip this important step.
What to Expect at a Check-Up
When you bring your pet into Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth for a veterinary check-up, you should expect to see your pet get a complete physical examination. Typically called a “nose to tail” exam, the veterinarian will weigh your pet, check his or her temperature, and conduct a comprehensive visual inspection. They will check the eyes, skin, and coat, which can all be indicators of disease or unhealthy lifestyles and diet. Your vet may recommend a diet or nutritional change, as well as an increase in exercise or activity. Many issues that are related to diet can clear up on their own in just a few weeks if the diet gets changed.
Your veterinarian will also check your pet’s ears to ensure that they are clean and not riddled with bacteria. The lungs and heart will be checked with a stethoscope to check for any abnormalities and issues. Then the other organs will be checked, including the kidneys and liver. Your pet’s mouth and teeth will be checked to determine if dental care for pets is required, either in the office or at-home. Loose or rotting teeth, as well as infected or inflamed gums, can indicate other problems. Dental issues can also cause pain that you might not be aware has been affecting your pet.
Call Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth
If you live in the South Coast region of New England, which includes Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island, contact Anchor Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment for a veterinary check-up by calling 508-996-3731. Our team can help provide you with everything you need, from emergency services to regular check-ups, dental care for pets, heartworm treatment for dogs, and everything in between.