Cuddly Critters

Selecting a Veterinarian

The Ins and Outs of Finding Care

Adding a pet to the family is an extremely

exciting experience that can bring a lot of joy to a household. That said, it is a life-altering decision for both family and pet, and it’s important for new owners to be mindful of how much care a pet will need upon reaching their home. In all scenarios, there are financial costs involved in adopting a new pet and a considerable amount of time will need to be invested. However, the fun and happiness along the way is priceless.

One of the most significant considerations for new pet owners involves choosing a veterinarian to care for their furry friend. This is a big decision. Veterinarians advise owners on the best preventive care options and identify the pet’s needs and risk of disease. In addition, the vet will maintain an ongoing history of the pet, including health records that detail care, illnesses, surgical procedures, and allergic reactions to medications. It’s vital that owners can trust the veterinarian.

It’s smart to approach this selection in the same way you would choose a physician or dentist for a human family member. Ask a neighbor or a local friend or family member with the same type of pet for recommendations. If you visit dog parks, other owners may also have ideas. During the selection process, it’s also wise to think about location, hours of operation, payment options, and the range of services (including how emergencies are handled) offered by the vet before making a final decision.

When adopting from a pet rescue or breeder, it’s wise to ask the rescue or breeder for any previous medical records for your pet. Bring that information to the first appointment with the vet so that services are not repeated or missed. New owners might also want to bring in a small, fresh stool sample that can be tested for worms—be sure to ask when you call to make the appointment.

During the visit, a veterinarian will thoroughly check your pet for any physical abnormalities, including the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, abdomen, heart, lungs, and joints. The vet might also check for conditions specific to the animal’s breed. The first visit also provides a great opportunity for owners to ask for specific tips or recommendations about care, training and feeding. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

A new pet will likely undergo a round of vaccinations and preventative medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworm during the first visit, too. Pets are due for these every three to four weeks until they’re about four to six months old. Additionally, core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats, as By Brie Hellbusch they protect against diseases that are widely spread but easily preventable with antibodies. For dogs, the recognized core vaccines are for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies. The core vaccines for cats are feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, feline rhinotracheitis, and rabies.

Moving forward, a pet should continue to visit the vet on a regular basis; the recommended frequency of visits for a generally healthy animal depends on the animal’s age. A puppy or kitten under the age of four months should visit the vet every three to four weeks to receive all of the necessary vaccinations and a general checkup. This is especially important because vaccinations and tests for common diseases are essential in the early stages of life. Also, it is around the four-month mark when most kittens and puppies are spayed or neutered. Additionally, the animal may need to start flea medication.

After pets have reached one year of age, they generally need to visit the veterinary clinic once a year (much like humans). During this annual visit, the vet will conduct a complete physical examination to check for any concerns. Updated booster shots will also be given during annual visits, as needed. As pets age into their senior years, vets suggest animals should receive checkups twice per year. Along with a typical physical and any necessary vaccines, senior pets may need further health tests at their visit. This may include checking on previous problems or undergoing blood and urine tests to ensure their internal organs remain healthy. Of course, if you notice unusual symptoms or behavior in your pet between visits, be sure to give the vet a call.

Finding the right veterinarian to provide services is an essential part of any new pet ownership. Luckily, you’ve got experience in that area—you’ve gone through the same process to find your own medical professionals. When you find the right one, keeping an eye on your pet’s health will be a much lighter task.

Sources for this article included: avma.org, petfinder.com, and aspcapetinsurance.com.