From lifting our spirits to being our faithful and constant companions and a source of unrestrained affection, pets invariably become the most loved members of our families. Taking care of their health is an indispensable aspect of responsible pet parenthood, and regular vet checkups are a must. From early detection of hidden ailments to preventive care, routine veterinary visits ensure a healthy, happy life for pets. Here are several reasons why routine checkups are crucial for your furry friends — a cat or a dog.
Why regular vet checkups are crucial?
Visiting your pet’s veterinarian at regular intervals facilitates the early detection of potential issues and enables prompt preventative actions.
According to Dr Prabhanshu Kumar, a veterinarian from Jharkhand, dogs and cats are susceptible to gastrointestinal issues.
“When you take your pets outdoors, they come in contact with contaminated soil or water, ingesting parasitic eggs or larvae,” explains Dr Kumar. “These will lead to certain kinds of parasites or worm infections in their stomach. Regular check-ups aid in preventative measures towards deworming and tick control, which can protect pets from many health risks.”
Regular vet check-ups also enable monitoring of the health parameters of pets such as temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, etc. Check-ups become crucial in the case of older pets because they are prone to bone conditions and injuries, cardiac issues, cancer and diabetes.
“Bones get weaker in older dogs and cats because of reduction in bone density and mineral content, making them more susceptible to fractures and conditions like arthritis,” says Dr Kumar. “Regular check-ups help in diagnosing bone-related issues as well as the implementation of preventative actions.”
The right intervals for vet visits
For the first three to four months, kittens and puppies are to be taken to the veterinarian every month for their initial vaccinations. The veterinarian will also check their health and take any measures or interventions if needed. After that, they should generally have a veterinary check-up twice a year (at least once a year) to ensure their overall health and to keep up with their vaccination schedule.
“The frequency of the vet visits can vary based on their age, health status and specific needs,” says Dr Arjun V, veterinarian, Cessna Lifeline Veterinary Hospital, Bengaluru. “Both dogs and cats are considered seniors around the age of five years. Senior pets require check-ups every six months.”
Regardless of routine examinations, you must take your pets to the vet if they show symptoms of distress or are unwell.
“Symptoms like tiredness, not eating, diarrhea and vomiting are some signs you must look out for. And it is ideal to visit the vet immediately because these symptoms might also be caused due to serious ailments,” adds Dr Arjun.
Essentials of a vet check-up session
A typical veterinary check-up includes weighing the pets to see whether their weight is healthy for their age, as well as vital checks — temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and body conditions. Based on the initial screening, the veterinarian can prescribe a blood test if required.
“We usually check the external body condition of the pet to see if there are any external injuries,” says Dr Kumar. “For instance, parasites can reside deep within the fur of longhair cats, and between the toes of a dog’s paw. Therefore, it is crucial to pay close attention to their external body while examining.”
Preparing your pet for a smooth vet visit
Pets could act nervous, misbehave or cause trouble during the vet visit. Experts give a few tips to make your pets feel at ease during the check-ups.
“The initiative must start when they are puppies or kittens by offering their favorite treats and making them comfortable,” says Dr Arjun. “When it starts in the initial stage, they become accustomed to it in the future. You have to comfort them so that they feel calm. It is not ideal to yell at or pull them around the clinic.”
If it is a kitten, it is advised to carry the kitten in a cloth-covered basket. When they hear unfamiliar sounds, particularly the barking of a dog, they will become anxious.
“You can manage their level of anxiety by blocking their vision,” says Dr Arjun.
Takeaways
- Regular vet checkups are necessary because they help in the early identification of potential problems and preventative measures to address or eliminate those issues.
- Senior pets are more vulnerable to bone disorders, injuries and diabetes, therefore regular vet checkups become even more important every six months.
- Kittens and pups must be taken to the vet once a month for the first three to four months then typically at least once a year after that.
- You must take your pet to the veterinarian if they show any of the following symptoms, regardless of routine examinations: fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea and not eating.
