Vet visits are a necessary part of owning a pet. They are often not the most pleasant experience for the owner or the pet, causing many owners to take trips to the vet only when something is very wrong or when the pet is injured or ill. However, there are many benefits to making well visits to Animal Hospitals in Chandler AZ. These types of visits can add years to your pet’s life and are well worth the hassle of a trip to the vet’s office.
One of the most important preventative measures taken at a wellness visit to an Animal Hospital in Chandler AZ is vaccinations. The DHPP vaccination is a 4 in 1 shot that prevents four types of contagious viral diseases: distemper (causes pneumonia, vomiting, and diarrhea), hepatitis (causes liver damage), para influenza (this can cause Kennel Cough), and parvovirus (causes vomiting, dehydration, and severe bouts of diarrhea). Any instance of these viruses can be fatal, making the DHPP vaccination a must for all dogs. The Rabies vaccine is required by law in many states. It protects both the pet and people from the dangerous and almost always fatal virus that can attack the central nervous system and brain. The Bordatella vaccine guards against the bacteria that can cause upper respiratory infections known as Kennel Cough. All of the vaccinations can be given once a year at an annual check up. Most Animal Hospitals will give you a reminder call to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
Another preventative measure taken at an annual wellness exam for your pet is laboratory testing. Many animal hospitals have the ability to conduct the tests and get the results in house. A fecal test will check for roundworms and hookworms. These are parasites that can be passed along to the people a pet lives with. It is recommended that pets are tested annually for these parasites, but if your pet is showing signs of worms such as weight loss, diarrhea, or poor health in general, call your vet immediately and take a stool sample to them. A heart worm test will also be done at the annual exam. These parasites can invade your dog’s heart and major blood vessels and grow large quickly. This test is also recommended yearly and a monthly pill will likely be prescribed as a preventative measure by the vet. For more detail, visit Family VetCare of Chandler.
