6 Important Questions That Will Help You Better Plan For An Annual Dog Health Check-Up

448 May 05, 2017 0 Comment

A doggy is more like a family member. You may spoil him rotten, but deep down you want to take care of him. This attachment makes your comradeship with your furry pal more profound. Since, we are talking about the healthy bonding between you and your fur baby, it is important to consider his health. This does not just include taking him for walks, feeding a balanced diet and pampering your fur baby with his favorite treats and toys, but also taking him for regular health check-up to the veterinarian.

The important thing that comes in mind when it comes to annual health check-up of your furry pal is the frequency of the schedule, the outcome of the health check-up and the amount that you are required to spend on the check-up. We have tried to reason out the possible answers to all these important questions that will help you better plan for an annual dog health check-up:

Why Does My Furry Pal Require An Annual Health Check-Up?

Even, human beings need to get themselves regularly checked for their health, so why not your doggy? Remember, preventative care is very significant for your fur baby, as it is for you. The reason for taking them to the veterinarian for regular health check-up is, to help them to detect any health problems in the doggy early on so that the condition can be improved. This will ultimately save you lots of $$ and headache that comes with life-threatening diseases.

The other reason is that just like a car that needs to get oil changed, tires rotated and inspections done on a periodic basis, the same way it is a good idea to take your furry companion to the vet to ensure that his vitals are in good shape and everything is running smoothly. The part of the problem is that dogs normally do not show symptoms of a health problem which makes it necessary to have a professional vet assess the things.

What Can I Expect From A Routine Vet Visit?

Just like a human physical exam, the vet will inquire about various questions pertaining to your furry companion’s overall eating and lifestyle habits. He/she will also evaluate the weight of the doggy and check his pulse. It is a great opportunity for you to ask relevant questions and concerns pertaining to your pup. They may suggest you certain changes based on the evaluation of your fur baby and recommend some wellness tips.

What Is Included In An Annual Check-Up?

There are several things that the veterinarian would ask and verify during an annual health check-up of your dog:

Behaviors including excessive barking or emotional instability
Blood tests, particularly for older dogs that are prone to health problems
Coat and skin check for hair loss, lumps, rashes, discoloration, or unusual spots
Coughing, sneezing, throat or nose discharge
Dental health, including teeth and breath smell
Digestion encompassing any concerns related to gas, burping or abnormal stools
Ears and eyes for discharge, swelling, redness or itching
Exercise levels and how often
Intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, mites and heartworms
Limbs, walking, standing and toenails
Organs to ensure that they are not unusual size
The current status of vaccinations
Urine tests and any discharge or discoloration
Water and food consumption

What Should Be The Frequency Of The Health Check-Up Of Dogs?

This is totally dependent on the age of the dog. Remember, puppies grow at a swift pace and thus need more vaccinations and attention. Hence, it is natural that if your pup is younger than a year, he will require more vet visits for pup’s shots and ensure that they are progressing as expected.

After the first year, they can be considered to be a teenager or young adult and then they grow at a slower pace. So, at that time they may need annual vet visits for necessary vaccines and routine health checkups. But older dogs may require more frequent monitoring since they encounter more health issues as they age. So, if you have a dog who is 7 years of age or above schedule for bi-annual visits with your vet.

The size of the dog also determines how swiftly they age. Large dogs age quickly than smaller dogs. They are also more prone to diseases since they are highly active and reside outside.

The breed of the dog also determines the frequency of the vet visits. Dog breeds like bulldogs are at a higher risk of acquiring a disease than a mutt.

A good rule to follow would be to schedule the health check-up of your dog depending on their age:

Puppies younger than 1 year : every 3-4 weeks till they are 16 weeks of age.
Dogs 1-7 years : A minimum vet visit on a yearly basis
Senior dogs 7-10+ years : On a bi-annual basis, as per the recommendation of your veterinarian

What About The Vet Health Check-Up Cost Of The Dog?

By now you would be wondering about the cost involved in taking your pet for health check-up. Most dogs live for an average of 13 years, so you would end up paying for far too many health check-ups over the lifetime of your fur baby. Also remember, the health check-ups can even extend the life of your furry pal. As for the individual costs or office visit fees, call your local vet for details of the cost which would vary as per the location of the vet office.

How To Save Money On Health Check-Ups For Dogs?

The best way to save money on health check-ups for your pooch is by getting a pet insurance. This would help you to save for unexpected pet costs, including surgeries and treatments. Pet insurance companies not only cover accidents and illnesses but also wellness programs, including yearly annual health check-up cost of dogs. So, the best thing would be to budget and do not mind paying extra for an annual health check-up, get a wellness plan. Remember, the yearly health check-up fees that you pay to your veterinarian is just a small price that you pay to extend the life of your pup and save thousands of $$ down the road.

At the end of the day, you would want your fur baby to be in the best of his health. So, make the investment today and your pooch will thank you later by being fit and healthy in the longer run!!!