4 Reasons Your New Pet Should Visit a Veterinarian
Posted by Camino Animal Hospital on July 11th, 2019
Adding a new family member is thrilling. If you've recently adopted a cat or a dog, schedule a visit to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Proper medical care is essential to the health and well-being of your new feline friend. Here are just four of the many reasons why your pet needs to be seen by a Pollock pines veterinarian as soon as possible.
1. Cultivate a Healthy Relationship
Pets like cats often take a while to get along, which can lead to problems where their relationship with the veterinarian is concerned. To make sure they have the opportunity to forge a healthy relationship with the veterinarian, you need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. When your pet knows and trusts their veterinarian, they won't suffer stress and anxiety during their appointments.
2. Ensure Implantation of a Microchip
Cats tend to be natural wanderers, which means they are more likely to get lost. To make sure they are safe and easily spotted, get them microchipped. Once the microchip is implanted in your pet, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and other animal care workers will be able to access your contact information and reach you in a timely manner.
3. Identify Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Cats and dogs who have been in shelters may come with hidden health problems, which is why an initial trip to the veterinarian is crucial. These three pre-existing conditions are most commonly found:
If your cat has spent time in an animal shelter, they may been exposed to upper respiratory infections. URIs can be debilitating for cats. If your new cat has visible discharge from the eyes or nose, or has a cough, a trip to the vet is particularly important.
If your new cat has congenital defects, such as a cleft lip, you need to seek immediate medical care. However, there are other congenital defects that aren't quite as visible, such as heart or joint defects. An initial medical exam will help identify those defects, as well.
Improper cared prior to adoption, could lead to worm infestation. If your pet is found to be infested with worms, they'll require immediate medical attention. Worms can pose serious health risks for your cat, especially if left untreated. Not only that, but worms can be passed on to other pets and humans as well.
4. Schedule Reproductive Surgery
Cats and dogs are very fertile breeders. An average female cat can deliver about five kittens each year. If you've adopted a female cat that has not been spayed yet, schedule that procedure at your first veterinary appointment. Not only will you eliminate the risk of unwanted pregnancies, but you'll also ensure the safety and health of your pet.
Your pet is your family member and hence they deserve equal care as others.
