I recently started a series about things that veterinary professionals would like pet owners to know. It has been so popular (and a bit therapeutic for me), so I have continued.
So, what else should I include in my list? Here are some more things that we want you to know.
Though fat dogs and cats are extremely cute, it is not healthy for them.
Overweight dogs and cats are more likely to have medical problems, such as diabetes and heart problems. The extra weight also makes it harder on them if they develop arthritis. They will struggle more to get around than those who are at a healthy weight.
Vomiting up hairballs is REALLY not normal.
Though many people believe that cats coughing up hairballs is normal, especially for those who over-groom themselves or are long-haired, the truth is that it isn’t normal. If your cat vomits hairballs regularly, you should bring it in. Your cat may have allergies, which are causing him or her to groom too much, or your cat may also have a gastrointestinal problem that needs to be dealt with.
Vaccines are not just a one-and-done deal!
You would not believe the number of people who bring their pets in to be seen and think that they are up-to-date on vaccines. One kitten dose will not protect your cat for the rest of his or her life. Your pets will need multiple doses when they are young, and then every one to three years for the rest of their lives.
That being said, preventive care is more cost-effective than treating problems that may occur.
Vaccines are cheap compared to the treatment of some of the diseases that your pet may get. Some of these, like Rabies, may be fatal if contracted, so you are going to want to make sure that your pet is well-protected.
Many people also balk at paying money for heartworm, flea, and tick medications. However, if your dog contracts heartworms, treatment can be very expensive. Your dog may not survive treatment either! Fleas and ticks carry plenty of diseases, such as Lyme disease, so you are going to want to make sure that your pet isn’t at risk for these diseases.
As more people switch veterinarians, your new veterinarian must have as much information about your pet as possible.
If you are switching veterinarians, ensure that the new veterinarian has all the records from your previous veterinarian. This needs to be done before your appointment, so we don’t waste your time during the appointment.
This may also save you money. If we don’t see that your dog has had a recent heartworm test, we may require you to have one before we dispense any preventatives. If your pet is sick, we may recommend blood work that you may have already completed at your old veterinarian just a few days ago. Instead of repeating it, we may be able to do something different in order to come up with a proper diagnosis.
As veterinary professionals, we want your pets to have the best life possible. This means maintaining a healthy weight and focusing on preventive medicine. Although you may think it is a waste of money, the truth is that it is significantly cheaper than the disease. Some diseases aren’t curable, making it even more important to get that Rabies vaccine and keep your pets on flea and tick preventative.
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Can’t get enough? You can catch up on the rest of the series right here!
The original: Things Vet Techs (and Vets) Want Pet Owners To Know
The second part: More Things Vet Techs (and Vets) Want Pet Owners To Know
The third part: Even More Things Vet Techs (and Vets) Want Pet Owners To Know
Followed by: Choose the Right Pet
The last one: We Don’t Want To Talk About Money
Want to read the original? Catch up on it right here!
The original: Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing
The second part: More Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing
The third part: Even More Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing
The last one (I think): Some More Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing
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Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.