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> When to Take Your Pet to the Vet
Have Your Pet Visit the Vet Once a Year
Most people who
are concerned about their own health -- particularly as they get
older -- make an appointment to visit their doctor once a year for
an annual checkup. Many people also schedule an annual eye
exam and dental checkup to prevent a possible small problem from
becoming a big one. The same goes for our four-legged
companions. Like people, your pets may not like to get poked
and prodded, but the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience,
cost, and minor discomfort. Fortunately, most states and
municipalities require that dogs and cats receive
vaccinations every year which means the animal will at least get a
quick once-over by the vet or vet technician administering the
shots. Ideally, your pet should get a more thorough
examination once every 12 months in order to catch minor health
problems before they become more serious (and more expensive to
treat).
Click here
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When to Make
Unscheduled Visits to the Vet
When you notice
something unusual about your pet's appearance or habits
there could be a good reason. The following are some common
sense things to watch for that may be indications of a (potential)
health problem that may require a visit to the vet.
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Any
obvious wounds or lacerations. First, serious
wounds may be an indication that the animal has been
involved in an accident that could have caused other,
less visible injuries. Second, any open wounds should
be treated by a vet immediately to reduce the chance of
infection. Minor wounds can be cleaned with peroxide
or alcohol and should be watched closely for signs of
infection or irritation. |
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Convulsions
or seizures. This is likely SERIOUS!
Don't waste a minute getting your pet to the vet. This
condition may also be accompanied by a very high fever, so
time is critical. Causes may include poisoning
(antifreeze, fertilizers, pest control chemicals, medicines
intended for humans), head injury from an accident, and
reptile or insect bites. |
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Breathing
problems. If the animal is having difficulty
breathing, is wheezing, or cannot stop coughing you should
take the pet to the vet. Causes may include infection
or an allergic reaction from poisoning, insect bite, or
following the administering of a new medication. New
owners of puppies or kittens should be especially watchful
of their new companions for the first few days following the
animal's first vaccinations to look for signs of allergic
reaction to the shots. |
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Heat
or cold stress. Cats, for example, actually have two
coats of fur and are vulnerable to severe heat stress if
they cannot escape a hot environment. Dogs are
vulnerable as well and the impact on the animal's system is
not obvious in many cases. If the animal has been
exposed to an extreme hot or cold environment for a period
long enough to cause problems for a human in the same
situation, then a trip to the vet is definitely warranted. |
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Injury
to an eye. Don't risk your pet's eyesight by
delaying a trip to the vet. No eye injury is too
minor. Your pet will thank you! |
For more information about when
to take your pet to the vet we recommend that you visit the
following websites:
http://veterinarypartner.com
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IMPORTANT!
If your pet is showing any signs of distress, injury, or you
suspect your pet is seriously ill, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN
immediately. The health information contained in this
website is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary care.
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