The Annual Vet Visit - A Vital Part of Pet Ownership

Most diligent pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure the safety of their beloved pet. Some shower their pets not only with love but with countless material goods. For some people, shopping for Fido is more important than shopping for themselves.

If the pet is injured or sick, these owners are willing to shell out thousands of dollars in order to save its life. But many people wait till serious damage control is in order before they take their animals to the vet. Although it may seem that an animal only needs to visit a vet if it is hurt or sick, nothing can be further from the case.

Dogs and cats should be brought into the vet at least once a year even if they are in the best of health in order to receive an annual check up. These check ups can be the key to avoiding future harm to your pet. They can also help you save great sums of money by catching potential physical problems facing your animals before it gets so bad that serious medical intervention is necessary.

What Happens During a Yearly Check Up

There are a number of routine procedures for the annual check up. There is generally a basic package with additional procedures that can be added on. Check ups involve:

o Health assessment-at this time your vet will perform a routine physical examination to check for any obvious signs of illness. You should bring up any questions or concerns you might have concerning the health of your pet at this time.

o Vaccinations-any vaccines that expire in a year will be given again. Certain vaccinations such as rabies are now often given only every two years. The amount of time between rabies vaccinations does vary between vets, however.

o Parasites-your pet will be checked for any infestation such as flea, tick or worm. The exam for worms in cats requires a very uncomfortable stool sample procedure. Be aware that your cat will be upset, but the procedure is fast and vital to your cat's continued health.

o Nutrition and Behavior-your vet will determine whether or not he or she believes that your animal is under or over-weight or at a normal weight. The vet may then suggest changes in diet or exercise accordingly.

For more information on the annual vet visit, visit the website of Austin Vet Clinics.

Joseph Devine

Vet Prices - 14 Tips to Help You Reduce the Cost of a Vet Visit

Vets aren't cheap...in fact in a lot of cases they are more expensive than doctors. However, the are a necessary part of owning a pet. Listed below are 14 tips to help you reduce your vet care costs while still ensuring your vet is adequately looked after.

Tip 1: Look for affordable vet care: Don't limit yourself to private veterinary clinics; there are other options such as humane societies that offer vet treatments at a discount. DIY isn't advised. A three legged dog really isn't that much fun!

Tip 2: Vets with payment plans: If you don't have the cash up front there are some vets that offer payment plans. If the rates are still good and there is an interest free period then it is worth considering. Be careful however, as you may pay a premium for using a payment plan.

Tip 3: Don't buy pet food from your vet: It is generally overpriced. If you do prefer the top quality pet food, shop around for a wholesaler. Craps from the butcher are a good cheap alternative.

Tip 4: Get all of the proper vaccinations and treatments for your pet: While this costs you money up front, it is definitely less than curing a condition if your pet gets sick.

Tip 5: Go to a pet welfare agency etc for your pet vaccinations: Check out if there is a welfare agency in your local area that offers cheaper vaccinations. Their prices will be considerably cheaper than a normal veterinary clinic.

Tip 6: Treat your pet's ailments straight away: Fixing an initial problem straight away is generally cheaper than trying to fix the problem once the ailment has progressed.

Tip 7: The very cheapest vet isn't always the best: Just like with Doctor's, there are good and bad vets. Going to the cheapest one could cost you more money, or worse your pet, if they make a mistake. Costs are definitely a factor when choosing a vet, but also consider the quality of the vet as well. A full waiting-room is generally a good sign.

Tip 8: Consider vet schools: Taking your pet to schools where people are learning to become vets is a great way to save some money on vet fees. And don't worry all students are under the command of a fully qualified vet.

Tip 9: Don't rush into decisions: Don't feel pressured to agree to high priced treatments. Ask that you have a few days to think about it (this gives you time to research the issue and to see if other options are available). If they say no, then walk away and politely say you will be using the services of someone else. If they want a decision straight away it generally means they will be making a lot of money from the treatment.

Tip 10: Keep up to date with flea, tick and heartworm prevention: These proactive measures save you money in the long term.

Tip 11: Ask for generic prescriptions: As with prescriptions for humans, there are generic prescriptions for your pets. Ask for these and save yourself some money.

Tip 12: Urgent medication: If your pet needs medication urgently, use the vets one for the first three or four days and then order the rest online.

Tip 13: Not all vaccines are necessary: The number of vaccines depends on where your pet lives and the interaction they have with other animals. For example, things like "kennel cough" may not be required if your dog doesn't spend much time with other dogs.

Tip 14: Ask your vet how you can reduce costs: Always ask your vet what alternatives there are and if there is any way you can save money. If you don't ask you don't get!

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Dog Vet Visit Tips

Vet visits do not have to be a traumatic and stressful one for your beloved pet. No matter how healthy and clean your dog is, the day will come when it will have to see a vet. Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies and other K-9 diseases by law. Only a licensed vetenarian is legally authorized to administer these and the certificates. No doubt there will be other times when your dog becomes ill and a visit to your local vet will be required.

Think about how much you like going to a doctor. The fact is, most people do not like this visit. By the same token, it only makes sense that dogs do not like going to the vet. When you add the fact this poor animal has to put their trust in a total stranger whom they cannot communicate with, it can be even more stressful. A vet visit can be very traumatic for your dog, but it doesn't have to be. There are several things that you can do to relieve your precious pet of this trauma.

First off, dog owners can start off right by bringing their dog into the vet office just to for friendly vet visits. The vet's receptionists should then have an opportunity to visit with your dog and this should be followed by the owner rewarding them for good behavior. Dog owners should also perform mock exams at home with their dog by checking ears, toes, tails, teeth, and touching their dog with a metal object, similar to the ones used at the vet clinic. Another tip is to enroll your puppy in dog kindergarten or basic training class. This is an excellent way for owners to get help with various technique as well as give their dogs the much needed practice of being around other people and pets before their visit to the vet. It's important that dogs learn that "Good things Happen" when people do certain things to me by giving them rewards which are associated with the various aspects of an exam.

The next thing you should do before scheduling vet visits is getting recommendations from others. Your friends and neighbors surely will have pets and will recommend a good vet. Often times the veterinarian itself can make the difference in a pleasant visit for your pet or one that results in a complete disaster.

Once you have located a vet you like make it a point to stay with that particular one. Dogs can easily develop relationships with people and this is something you want to have happen with the vet. If they are comfortable the vet, then their visit will be less stressful each time they go. If you have an emergency if may not be possible to go to your regular vet, but try as much as possible as it will be less confusing for your dog. Sometimes vet visits are a result of an emergency and this isn't possible, but try to stick to one vet. In these cases, ask if you can stay with your pet as it will be less confusing. Having you there with them can make all the difference in the world. Most vets will gladly allow this unless the treatment involves surgery.

Dogs must also learn to relax while being lifted onto the vets examination table. You can help this process by practicing at home, lifting your pet up on the counter. Once at the vet's office, stay positive and try to keep it fun for the dog by using treats and toys. You might want to practice the exam while your waiting for the vet to call your dog in. Using tricks can also help to reduce stress for everyone involved, including the vet staff. If you have to restrain your dog, remember that the least amount of restraint reduces the amount of stress for the dog. A dog that is confident, comfortable and relaxed will result in a more thorough exam for the pet. As the owner you need to understand that it is your responsibility to make sure your dog behaves while being examined.

Vet visits for dogs can be very stressful for both the owner and the pet. However, by using some common sense as well as the tips mentioned above, these visits for your dog can become less scary. In addition, the visit will become less traumatic for you, your dog, and your vet.

For more information about dogs visit our comprehensive website at "All About Dogs" or better yet... check out our ebooks "Dog Owner's Guide" and "Pamper Your Dog"

When Should a Dog Visit the Vet?

For first time dog owners, you may ask the question, when should I take my dog to visit the vet? At some point, a dog owner must be faced with a situation when the dog is ill, sick or injured. As a pet owner, you may wonder when the situation is serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor's office. It is best that as pet owner, you know how to check the temperature of the dogs, its gums and pulse. This can help you in assessing the condition of the dog. Timely vet care is the key. If you delay the care, it would take a toll on your animal's body. This would make illness or condition more difficult to treat and it would be costly.

The first thing to consider is the general appearance of the dog. An ill dog would stop eating and drinking. They would look sad and not themselves. Dehydration and hypoglycemia can set in after a few hours. Seek the dog immediately if the pet stops eating and/or drinking. The situation could be fatal after a few hours. Take the dog's temperature in the rectal. The normal temperature of a healthy dog is about 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature out of this range can be an indication of illness. This is a situation that may need a trip to the veterinarian. The gum's color is a sign that the dog is ill. The normal gum color is pink. Abnormal gums are white, grey, blue or yellow. These colors can indicate of internal bleeding, anemia or disruption of blood flow. Improper oxygenation can result in loss of blood.

As a pet owner, look for signs and pain of distress. Observe for drooling, panting and restlessness. Check the dog's heart rate. It is a good indicator of distress and pain. The normal heart rate of the dog is dependent on its size and age. Quick or slow pulse can indicate illness or distress. A puppy normally has a heart rate of 180 beats per minute. Adult dog's heart rate ranges from 60 to 160 beats per minute, for younger, smaller dogs, the faster the heart rate.

If you have the time, record the dog symptoms and behavior. A pet log would make the diagnostic easier. It will serve as your guide when talking to the doctor. There is no chance that you might forget important details that is associated with stress and anxiety of caring for a sick pet. Pet owners should know where to find help in advance. There should be a 24 hour vet clinic in your area. Ask around for good vets. This would save you time when there is an emergency. Knowing where to seek help would make a difference.

Rodnas Laygaf has been working as a professional in the field of dogs for sale and European puppies for sale for over eight years. Visit his websites to find more information.