For sustained, long-term health and well-being, your pets require regular visits to the veterinarian, especially cats and dogs. But most people don’t know how often they should be taking their cats and dogs to the vet. So here is a basic outline depending on your dog or cat’s age.
From Birth to 1 Year
At this stage, your pets will require more visits to the vet, generally every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. This is when your veterinarian will check your dog or cat to make sure he or she is growing properly and isn’t showing any signs of abnormal development. During this time, dogs will receive a variety different shots that will help prevent a number of different problems, including:
- Distemper
- Parvo
- Kennel cough
- Rabies
- Canine influenza
- Lyme disease
Cats will also receive vaccinations that cover unwanted diseases, as well as being tested for immune deficiency diseases and feline leukemia. Depending on where you live, your veterinarian may also start your dog or cat on medication for preventing heartworm, fleas, and ticks. At around six months is when spaying or neutering is required.
Adults from 1 Year to 7-10 Years (Depending On Breed)
At these ages, it is recommended that they have a yearly check-up with their local veterinarian, who will give them a full body physical, as well as take blood samples to check for problems such as heartworms. Sometimes a stool sample is necessary to check for intestinal parasites. Your vet will also recommend different certain treatments or medications based on any problems they might find during the exam. Rabies, booster shots, parvo shots, and distemper shots are treatments that should happen during the first check up. After that, a rabies booster shot may be required depending on the laws of your state.
Seniors from 7-10 Years and Beyond
For senior pets, it is generally recommended that your dogs and cats get checkups twice a year. They will receive a full physical exam and any shots that may be required. Blood and urine tests will help your vet determine whether or not their internal organs are functioning properly. Be sure to mention any noticeable changes you have seen as your pet ages. Elderly pets often exhibit mood and behavior changes, dietary changes, and diarrhea or vomiting. The causes of these symptoms can range from normal aging to more serious health problems.
The Number One Reason Why Dogs Require Veterinary Visits
Ear infection is the number one cause of dog visits, typically resulting from inflammation and/or infection. When inflammation is left untreated, it can quickly progress into an infection.
Signs of inflammation are red hot, swollen, and itchy ears. When no discharge is present, this is typically indications inflammation without infection. When your dog exhibits all of these symptoms as well as discharge, it is a clear indication of infection.
Inflammation and infection are most often the result of allergies. This could range from allergic reactions to food, or environmental irritants. Moisture is also a common reason for inflammation and infection, sometimes called “swimmer’s ear.” Moisture can build up in your dog’s ear due to swimming in large bodies of water, playing in the snow or rain, in baths, and in particularly humid environments. Finally, wax buildup can cause this problem as well. Some dogs are more susceptible to this problem based on breed. Bulldogs, retrievers, poodles, and cocker spaniels are more prone to wax buildup
The Number One Reason for Cat Visits
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) tops the list. This is typically the result of a variety of different conditions that affect your cat’s bladder and urethra. Causes include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Urinary stones
- Urethral plugs
FLUTD is a condition that can occur at any age, however it is mainly present in cats who are middle-aged, overweight, or under exercised. Dry food diets also tend to increase the chances of FLUTD.
Here are some signs that your cat may have developed FLUTD:
- Urinating outside of the litter box
- Prolonged and strained attempts at urination
- Crying out while urinating
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Blood in the urine
Because Queen City Petsitting provides so many services for animals, including Raleigh dog walking services and pet sitting services, your pet’s health and well-being are our top priorities. We encourage you to visit your local veterinarian regularly, and to watch for signs of bad health or discomfort in your furry little companions.
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