3 Common Veterinarian Services Your Dog Needs
Your dog needs a lot of care, including veterinarian care. Naturally, if your dog gets sick or hurt, you should take your dog to the vet. However, there are many services your vet provides that can help your furry friend. If you would like to know more, keep reading.
1. Vaccinations
Vaccinations are incredibly important for preventing serious diseases. They should start when your dog is a puppy and continue throughout your dog's life. Some vaccines only need to be given once like the vaccine for parvovirus.
Many vaccines, however, need regular boosters to keep your pup protected. Rabies, for example, is one notorious disease spread by dogs, but the vaccine wears off. Therefore, you need to bring your dog in regularly for rabies vaccines. Other vaccines protect against:
- Bordetella
- Influenza
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme disease
- Coronavirus
2. Oral Care
Your dog's oral care is just as important as your oral care. Just like humans, dogs can experience plaque, tartar, cavities, infection, gum disease, tooth loss, and many other issues. You can help at home by brushing your dog's teeth or wiping the teeth and gums after your dog eats. Some dog food and treats help brush the dog's teeth as they eat. Some dog breeds are more prone to oral complications.
Occasional visits to the dentist are also important. Depending on your dog's temperament and oral health, the vet may be able to keep your dog awake during cleaning, which saves you money. Plus, by keeping your dog's teeth clean, you prevent future expenses, pain, and tooth loss. For nervous dogs and for major procedures, your dog will need general anesthesia.
3. Bloodwork
For younger dogs, bloodwork isn't as important. The vet may recommend it when you first get your pup or if your dog gets sick, but regularly bloodwork is often reserved for older dogs. Older dogs may develop many issues that are hard to spot, such as kidney or liver problems.
Bloodwork gives your vet a quick glimpse at what's happening inside your dog. Bloodwork can also measure:
- Glucose
- Proteins
- Cholesterol
- Endocrine system
Regular bloodwork can spot issues before they start to interfere with your dog's health. They may even prevent some problems before they even develop.
Your vet is your dog's best friend when it comes to their health, including oral health. Vaccines and bloodwork help prevent more complications down the road. If you would like to know more, contact a veterinarian in your area today.
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