Have you scheduled an appointment at our animal clinic soon? While it’s likely that your furry best friend would prefer to stay at home and take another snooze, regular visits are critical to your pet’s health and well-being. This is also an excellent moment to receive tailored care suggestions to help you keep your beloved pet happy and healthy for as long as possible. As your Mint Hill, NC veterinarians we are always delighted to answer inquiries!
Here are some things you might wish to ask us about:
What Food Should I Feed My Pet?
Eventually, your pet will require a specialized menu. You don’t have to spend a fortune on pet food, but you should ensure that your pet is getting a decent, nutritious diet that is appropriate for their age, health, and lifestyle.
We have a couple of tips for this:
- Get in the habit of reading pet food labels. Choose items that have elements you can genuinely recognize. For Fido and Fluffy, meat, fish, or poultry should appear first on the label. Avoid products with lengthy lists of unidentified substances.
- Always make dietary changes gradually, over several days.
- Take caution with your servings! Overfeeding in tiny amounts can lead to weight gain.
- Check in with your veterinarian on a frequent basis about this. Your pet’s needs will shift with time!
How Frequently Should I Bathe My Pet?
Pets’ bathing and grooming requirements also differ significantly. A dog with short, smooth fur may only need to be bathed once or twice per month, whereas one with thick fur may require more frequent bathing. It’s important to avoid both over- and under-bathing, as both can cause irritation, itching, and skin issues.
Your Mint Hill, NC veterinarian can also provide advice and advise you whether your pet requires any medical grooming procedures, such as anal gland expression.
What Vaccinations Is My Pet Due To Get?
Pets are prone to a wide range of illnesses and disorders. There is no way to protect your four-legged friend from all potential threats. Fortunately, vaccines are available for many of the most frequent ones. We normally recommend that Fido and Fluffy receive the core immunizations at the very least. Non-core vaccines, such as Bordetella, Lepto, and rattlesnake, may also be necessary. Contact your veterinarian for further information.
Are My Pet’s Teeth Healthy?
Fluffy and Fido cannot brush their own teeth or schedule dentist appointments. However, abscesses, gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, infections, and misalignments can cause severe pain and result in serious—and potentially fatal—infections.
In addition to having your veterinarian examine your pet’s teeth, you may want to seek some advice on home care.
Do My Pets Need Preventatives?
Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites can cause significant difficulties. Some infestations are even life-threatening. In some situations, your pet may need to be evaluated before beginning a specific treatment program. (Heartworm is one example of this. Infestation prevention products do not kill live worms, so if Fido is already infested, he will require treatment rather than simple preventatives.)
We cannot stress the value of a solid preventative care plan. Protecting your pet against hazardous parasites and diseases is cheaper, easier, and more successful than treating them. It’s also less stressful for your pet.
Is My Pet At A Healthy Weight?
A healthy diet is an important aspect of effective pet care. If Fido or Fluffy are, well, round, it’s likely that they’re overweight. Obviously, a pet with plainly visible ribs may need to gain weight. In some circumstances, you may not be able to tell if your pet is overweight, underweight, or just fine.
What Health Issues Could Affect My Pet?
Pets may also be genetically prone to specific illnesses. Determine whether your pet is at an increased risk of developing any conditions. For example, puppies with white coats are more prone to vision and hearing loss. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are among the breeds at risk for hip dysplasia, while pugs are prone to eye problems.
Breed is not the only factor to consider here. Your pet’s history is also important. For example, pets that have been given steroids may be more likely to acquire diabetes.
How Much Exercise Should My Dog Get?
Doggy workout requirements differ greatly. Size is an important factor. A Chihuahua may receive enough exercise just racing around on its little legs. A Labrador Retriever may require one hour or more of intense activity every day.
Your canine companion’s breed and physiology are also important. Brachys, such as pugs, should not be encouraged to run, leap, or swim. Their small airways cause them to lose their breath quickly. Jumping and standing might be dangerous for larger dogs because it puts too much strain on their hips. Contact your veterinarian for further information.
Cats tend to self-regulate their workouts, or lack thereof. (Fluffy thinks catching Zs to be a legitimate form of exercise, but that’s another discussion.)
Make An Appointment With Our Mint Hill, NC Veterinarians
Is it time for your favorite pet to have an exam, immunizations, or parasite control? Are you looking for an excellent veterinarian in Mint Hill, NC? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. As your neighborhood pet hospital, we’re here to help.
