As a pet owner, you will be well aware of the importance of regular checkups to make sure your pet is healthy and stays that way. Knowing the impotence of a checkup and knowing how often your pet should get one are two different things. The answer to “how often” you should take your pet to a Bucktown vet is your pet’s life stage, it changes as your pet ages.
From birth to a year old:
Up until your pet is about 16 weeks of age, it will have to have scheduled vaccines about every four weeks.
If you have a puppy, it will be vaccinated for rabies, distemper, parvo, etc. There may also be a need to protect the puppy against Lyme disease and kennel cough.
Kittens will need to be tested for leukemia as well as immunodeficiency virus as well as vaccines against several feline diseases.
At the same time as your new pet is getting its early vaccinations and shots the Bucktown vet will give it a tail to nose exam to ensure it is growing as expected and is in good general health.
From one to “middle age”:
Depending on the breed and type of pet you should see the vet every year up until the pet is between 7 and 10 years of age. Booster shots will be given as necessary and the animal will be given a complete physical exam. The vet will draw blood and check for any evidence of heartworm if the examination shows anything unusual other tests will be run.
Senior citizens:
As your pet ages, your Bucktown vet will encourage you to bring your pet in twice a year. Blood and urine tests at this stage are important as the tests will revile any problems with the kidneys or liver and more.
Maintaining the health and well-being of your pet is more than just a responsibility, a healthy pet is one that you and your family can enjoy for many happy years.
Taking your pet to your Bucktown vet is something that must be done to ensure it is happy and healthy from birth to old age. You are invited to make an appointment with Village West Veterinary.