That new little bundle of love that you just adopted is going to require plenty of care in order to live a long healthy life. He’s only a puppy now, but with every stage of his life he’s going to need preventative care, along with seeing a veterinarian if he has an injury or becomes ill. The first thing that a responsible pet owner should take care of is locating a veterinary clinic in Cedar Rapids. A veterinarian can give your newest family member the edge he needs in order to stay healthy, by starting him off with the necessary vaccinations. These shots will shield him from preventable diseases, so that both of you can concentrate on making the most of your time together.
Adopting a pet into your family is a big responsibility. Pets need to be fed, exercised and taught right from wrong. They require daily care and should be taken to a veterinarian whenever they are feeling poorly. Early intervention can get a sick pet back on his feet quickly. Allowing a problem to go untreated may lead to other issues as their system weakens. Taking a pet to a vet is much like taking a child to a doctor when they are ill. The faster a problem is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome will be.
Many vet clinics offer routine care that includes yearly vaccinations, teeth cleaning services and extractions, blood work to rule out heart-worms and metabolic diseases, fecal testing for parasites and nutrition counseling. A yearly exam can detect issues before they become major ones, which means less pain and suffering for your four-legged family member. Seeing a veterinarian yearly also allows the doctor to be more familiar with your pet, which can be advantageous if he becomes ill or injured during his lifetime.
During the early years, when your pet is the most active, an injury may occur that requires veterinary care. A veterinarian can assist with doing any necessary X-rays or tests to determine what’s wrong. If surgery is required, it can often be done on the premises. However, some surgeries or treatments may require that your pet see a specialist for care. If this is the case, having a doctor that you trust to direct you to that specialist will make it much easier for both you and your ailing pet.