Do you have an upcoming appointment at our veterinary clinic? While it’s probably safe to assume that your pet would prefer to stay at home and take another nap, those regular visits are critical to your pet’s health and well-being. This is also a pawesome chance for you to ask for personalized care recommendations. We, as your Plano, TX veterinarians, are always delighted to answer your queries! After all, our goal is to help you keep your beloved pet happy and healthy for as long as possible.
What Should I Feed My Pet?
Make sure your pet is getting a nutritious, nutritional diet that fulfills their individual needs and is appropriate for their age, health, and lifestyle. (Tip: Form the habit of reading labels. Choose items with ingredients you can truly identify. The first ingredient on the label for dogs and cats should be meat, fish, or poultry. Avoid items with extensive lists of unidentified ingredients.)
Check in with your veterinarian frequently about this, since your pet’s needs may vary over time.
How Much Exercise Should My Pet Get?
This one is more applicable to dogs. Cats’ exercise routines are mostly self-regulated. (They also consider catching Zs to be a legitimate form of exercise, but that’s another discussion.)
Doggy fitness requirements differ greatly from pup to pup. Size is only one factor. Running around on such little legs may provide all the exercise a mini Daschchund needs. A Golden Retriever might require an hour or more of strenuous exercise each day.
Size is not the only factor to consider here. Your pet’s breed and physiology are important considerations. Brachys, such as pugs, should never be trained to run, jump, or swim because their narrow airways lead them to rapidly lose breath. Larger dogs may also find it dangerous to jump and stand.
That isn’t to imply that cats and other animals don’t require exercise. They do, however, tend to prefer using play as their main form of exercise.
What Vaccinations Should My Pet Have?
Pets are prone to a number of illnesses and disorders. There is no way to prevent your pet from every possible threat, but vaccines are available for many of the most frequent. The standard minimum for dogs and cats is that they get the CORE vaccines, which are the most essential. Your doctor may also recommend non-essential immunizations. Kennels, airlines, groomers, and daycares commonly require the Bordetella vaccine, so that one is often recommended. Other non-core vaccines that your pet may benefit from include the Lepto vaccine and rattlesnake vaccine.
What Condition Are My Pet’s Teeth In?
Pets’ dental health is just as vital as people’s. Fluffy and Fido are unable to clean their own choppers and cannot arrange their own dental cleanings. However, conditions such as abscesses, gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, infections, and misalignments can cause intense pain and lead to dangerous infections for them.
In addition to having your Allen, TX veterinarian inspect your pet’s teeth, ask for home care advice.
Is My Pet in Need of Preventatives?
We cannot stress the significance of a solid preventive care plan. It is less expensive, easier, and more successful to prevent your pet from hazardous parasites and diseases than to treat them. It’s also a lot easier for your pet. Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites can cause major difficulties. Some infestations can be deadly.
What Are My Pet’s Grooming Needs?
Pet bathing and grooming requirements vary greatly. A dog with short, sleek fur may only need to be bathed once or twice a month, whereas one with thick hair may require more frequent bathing. You don’t want to overbathe or underbathe because both can cause irritation, itching, and skin issues.
Your veterinarian can also offer advice on grooming products and techniques, as well as tell you whether your pet needs any medical grooming operations, such as anal gland expression.
Is My Pet At A Good Weight?
It is sometimes simple to determine whether a pet is overweight or underweight. If Fido or Fluffy are spherical, they’re probably overweight. On the other end of the scale, a pet with visible ribs may require weight gain. There’s also a lot of grey area here, where you’re not sure if your pet is overweight, underweight, or just fine.
A word of caution: rapid, unexplained weight loss or gain may be an indication of illness or disease. If your four-legged friend is suddenly growing or shrinking and you’re not sure why, it’s absolutely worth mentioning to your Plano, TX vet.
Is My Pet Prone To Any Specific Conditions?
Pets might also be genetically predisposed to certain illnesses. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are among the breeds that are susceptible to hip dysplasia, for instance, while pugs are a bit prone to eye damage. Determine whether your pet is in any danger of developing any conditions.
While breed is an important consideration, it is by no means the only one. It is also important to know your pet’s history. For example, pets that have been given steroids may be more likely to develop diabetes.
Schedule an Appointment at Our Plano, TX Pet Hospital
Is it time for your favorite pet to have an examination, vaccines, or parasite control? Are you looking for a fantastic veterinary clinic? Do not hesitate to contact us. We are your local Plano, TX pet hospital and are here to help.
