If you have recently purchased a pet, you may be concerned as to what vet to take them to, or even if a veterinarian is necessary for the health of your pet. Many people balk at the idea of taking their pet to the veterinarian’s office simply because of the costs involved. They feel that they should not have to spend their well-earned money on checkups for their animal. While it is true that a trip to the vet can be expensive, it is equally true that regular trips to the vet can prevent serious conditions and catch problems early on, ultimately saving you money. In addition, the responsibility of purchasing a pet involves caring for their welfare and health. The following article outlines a few common health conditions that occur in dogs that a vet can cure or help you avoid. If you are looking for a good veterinarian, checkout the home page of Carmel Veterinary Clinic.
Common Health Conditions Found in Dogs
Taking your dog to the veterinarian’s office on an annual basis can help you avoid some serious health conditions in your pet. The following list outlines a few common health conditions that occur in dogs that a veterinarian can cure or help you avoid:
- Ear Infections: Many dogs end up with ear infections at some point. This can be caused by allergies, insects, or bacteria. Signs your dog may have an ear infection may include excessive head shaking or ear scratching, a bad odor emanating from your dog’s ear, or discharge coming from the ear. Your veterinarian can give your dog medication to clear up the ear infection, and you can also purchase ear cleaning salves from your vet to ensure that your dog does not get an ear infection again.
- Worms: There are many different kinds of worms that your dog can contract. Some worms are not serious, and feeding your dog a de-wormer occasionally will help rid these worms from his or her system. Signs your dog may have worms include sudden loss of weight and diarrhea. Other worms are more serious, such as heart worms. Dogs require yearly treatment to ensure they do not get serious conditions such as heart worms.
- Fleas: Many dogs contract fleas from other pets. While the condition is not serious, it can be passed onto humans and should be taken care of immediately. Your vet can offer a variety of solutions for getting rid of fleas, such as shampoos or oral medicines.
- Obesity: Obesity is something that affects dogs as they age, and often affects females when they are spade. Your veterinarian can offer tips for helping you keep your dog healthy and active, and offer considerable insight into the proper diet for your dog. If left untreated, obesity in dogs will considerably shorten their lifespan and is not something to ignore.
- Urinary Tract Problems: Urinary tract problems and infections are common in dogs, particularly in young females. Signs of urinary tract problems include excessive urination and preoccupation with licking private parts. Your veterinarian can offer your dog antibiotics to get rid of this problem quickly.
- Dental Problems: Dental issues are common in dogs and tend to worsen as dogs age. Proper oral care is important in dogs, and your veterinarian can help you understand your responsibilities regarding your dog’s teeth. Brushing your dog’s teeth and giving him or her plenty of dental bones to chew on helps immensely. If your dog gets an infected tooth, take him or her to the dentist immediately, as teeth problems are directly related to heart disease and other serious problems in dogs. Visit the home page of your nearest vet clinic for more information.
