Annual Veterinary Check-Ups
As a responsible pet owner the importance and benefits of an annual veterinary check-up should appeal to you. During this visit to the vet, your pet will get his/her annual inoculations, get an examination for detection of early signs of disease and the vet might make recommendations to maintain optimal health for your pet.
What you as pet owner can do to get the most out of this appointment:
Keep a list of all questions you want to ask…
- Ask for you vet’s input to re-evaluate your pet’s dietary needs as changes in age, size and health may require a change in diet.
- Your vet will be able to advise you on breed specific exercise needs.
- Ask your vet about new developments in parasite treatment.
Information that the vet might need from you…
- The brand and type of food that your pet eats, how often he gets fed, does he get food from the table(human food).
- Does he get supplements.
- Thirst, bowel movements and urination patterns.
- Exercise routines.
- Know what type of parasite control is used on your pet, and whether it is effective or not.
- Keep a list of unusual behaviour to assist your vet with a diagnosis. Behavioural problems can be caused by a medical condition with which your vet can assist but if it is because of other reasons a vet can refer you to a qualified behaviourist.
Practical considerations to make this appointment as pleasant as possible…
Have your pet suitably restrained, a collar or harness and leash for dogs and a cat carrier for cats.
Take along your pet’s vaccination card.
If your pet is nervous, you may need to familiarise him with the clinic before the appointment date.
This is done by taking him to the clinic a couple of times without anything stressful happening to him.
Advantages of an annual check-up:
Prevention of disease by inoculations.
Dietary and exercise recommendations by your vet might also limit injuries and disease and ensure that you have a healthy, happy pet.
Early detection of disease saves money as it is cheaper to treat a disease in early stages than to have to deal with complications.
With annual veterinary check-ups your pet gets used to the vet and the clinic environment which will make an emergency visit to the vet less stressful.
Veterinary Clinics in Rustenburg:
- Animal Qi Veterinary Clinic – 014 941 1155
- Bergbos Animal Clinic – 014 533 1959
- Animal Clinic Zinniaville – 014 538 2114
- Kloofsig Veterinary Clinic – 014 533 2404