Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
Your pet’s health and well-being is a top priority. Just like humans, pets get sick and need to see an animal doctor. Unfortunately, they cannot communicate to tell you how they feel. You need to recognize signs of illness in your beloved companions to prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. Wondering how often or when you should take your pet to the vet? Read on to learn more.
When should I take my pet to the vet?
Pets are like babies; they cannot tell you when they are sick. However, just like babies cry or refuse to eat when unwell, sick pets may exhibit various symptoms that suggest something is wrong and it’s time for a pet vet checkup. These include:
Visible signs of illness or injury
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Persistent coughing, sneezing or difficulty breathing
- Limping or apparent pain while moving
- Loss of appetite or sudden weight changes
- Behavioral changes such as lethargy, aggression or excessive whining
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a pet hospital visit as soon as possible. Prolonging care could lead to a worsening condition, which can make recovery more difficult and expensive.
Changes in eating or drinking habits
Overfeeding can cause a pet to refuse to eat. However, they should return to their regular feeding pattern after some time. You should get concerned if your pet refuses to eat for more than a day. A pet refusing to eat can be caused by digestive issues, dental problems or something more serious like kidney disease or an infection.
In addition, drinking too much water than usual can be because of diabetes or thyroid disease. If you notice significant changes in eating or drinking habits, take your pet to a family pet hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
Unexplained behavior changes
Sudden aggression, withdrawal and restlessness can indicate discomfort or underlying health conditions. If you cannot pinpoint any reason for such behavior, take the pet to a vet or consult the pet experts.
Age-related concerns
Senior pets are more likely to develop health conditions like arthritis, dental issues and organ failure than younger pets. As a result, you need to take them to the vet more frequently. In addition, check for age-related symptoms like excessive sleeping, difficulty moving or cognitive decline.
How often should you take your pet to the vet?
You should take your pet to the vet anytime you notice the symptoms above. In addition, pets also need routine checkups throughout their life. How often you take them for routine checkups will depend on their age.
- Puppies and kittens need more regular visits for vaccinations, deworming and growth assessment. Most vets recommend that you take your pet to the vet at eight, 12 and 16 weeks to ensure they get a healthy start in life.
- Adult pets should go for routine check-ups at least once a year.
- Senior pets (seven years for dogs and 10 years for cats) need more frequent routine checkups due to age-related risks. Take them at least twice a year.
Can you take your pet to any vet?
A pet vet clinic is well-equipped to handle most routine visits, such as vaccinations and general health assessments. However, according to the pet experts at Pets & Animals Tips, taking your pet to a pet vet animal hospital may be a better choice, depending on your pet’s condition. These facilities have specialized equipment and staff to handle emergencies, surgeries and more complicated medical conditions. Take your pet to a pet hospital if it has a complex condition or requires emergency care.
Moreover, remember that some vet clinics specialize in certain pets. For instance, some may specialize in small animals and other exotic pets like reptiles, birds or small mammals. Always ask if a clinic has experience with your pet’s species and conditions before scheduling an appointment.
Final thought
Pets need treatment when they fall sick. However, because they cannot communicate how they feel, it’s your responsibility to identify signs of illness and to get them the help they need. In addition, ensure you take your pets for regular checkups to catch illnesses early, which is essential to prevent complications and reduce the cost of treatment.