We seem to forget that our pets can also catch diseases. Although we know they will die someday, we don’t see them as fragile as they really are. However, just like us, they can find themselves with health problems. But there are ways to protect them, as you will discover below.
Visit the Vet Regularly
It is suggested that a person goes to the doctor twice a year, just for a check-up, in order to make sure that all is good. Catching issues before they get too far ahead, and become irreversible, is the most important element when it comes to our health. The same is true about a visit to the veterinarian with our animal. There are treatments that they should go through annually, shots to be had, and the doctor also needs to do a check-up on your pet, as well. Since this is necessary, we may ask ourself: Is pet insurance worth it? It is certainly something to look into. Various plans are available, and one of them might seem like the perfect solution for you and your pet.
Every once in a while, it is good to leave our furry friends at the vet overnight. That way, the doctor can go through a series of tests, from bloodwork to fecal examination. That is the best way to determine if the animal has a disease, or if parasites have entered into his system. Right away, the vet will be able to suggest a treatment and catch the disease before it is too late to do anything about it, anymore.
Prevention is Part of the Solution
Vaccines
Cats, dogs and other house animals should go through all prevention measures that are available. That starts with vaccinations. There are many, and each will prevent them from various diseases. The most important ones are: Bordetella, distemper, heartworms, intestinal worms, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, parvovirus, rabies. You have to know that some vaccines are legally required to be administered to your pet, while others are up to you to decide. These vary according to where you live, so ask your veterinarian when you see him next. But to maximize the protection of your furry friend, you should definitely follow the whole protocol, which also includes booster shots, for some of the vaccines.
Medication
When it comes to medication, it is always better to talk with your vet first, just as it is better for us to discuss any drugs we take with our physician. But it is good to know that there are some over-the-counter medications available for cats and dogs. They are normally used for protection against fleas and ticks, to keep any parasite away from our loved one. They come in various formats, including topical and oral medications, as well as collars. You can even buy heartworm prevention medicine. But again, better speak to your pet doctor first.
Keep them Away from Wild Animals
Although your pet is an animal, there is a great difference between him and the wild ones. Those that live in nature can carry a wide variety of diseases. That is because, indeed, they are not vaccinated, and they don’t get to visit a vet every year. Raccoons, opossums and other wild animals could scratch or bite your pet, and transfer the disease to him, that they carry. The best way to protect them is to teach them to stay close to home or to fence the yard, to make sure that they don’t go out, but also that other animals don’t come in.
If you want to keep your pet for a long time, take care of him in as many ways as you would a child. It is the best solution to make sure that they will remain healthy and get to live a full life.
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