Ensuring your pets are in great health and that they have a good care routine will help them live long, healthy life. Today, the Concord vets share some tips on taking care of pets and what types of healthcare they'll need to thrive.
Taking Care of Pets
Every pet owner wants the best for their four-legged companion. Your animal must get everything it needs from puppyhood or kittenhood, through their adult stage and into their senior years. This includes veterinary care, training, food, nutrition, and exercise.
Our Concord vets are experienced in treating pets at every stage of life and every health status - from young and energetic fluffballs to older fur friends who may have recurring or comorbid health issues. One thing they have in common is that they all need routine pet care that's tailored to their needs.
Your veterinarian is your partner in your pet's healthcare, and we're passionate about educating pet owners about what type of care your cat or dog will need, and how often. Having a quick pet care checklist to keep on hand for reference (and planning these items on a calendar) will help to ensure your pet gets to all its annual visits, vaccine, grooming, and dental appointments.
In this post, we'll share which tasks your vet should perform and what every pet owner should budget time and financial resources for.
Dog Care Checklist
While your vet focuses on checking your dog's health status from head to toe and keeping vaccinations up to date, there are daily tasks every pooch parent will need to keep on top of at home.
Here's what needs to be taken care of by a professional:
- Routine Exams
- Vaccinations
- Grooming
- Dental Hygiene
- Fleas and ticks
- Worming (heartworm and intestinal)
These are things you'll need to take care of at home consistently:
- Bathing, Cleaning & Brushing - It's important to bathe and brush your dog at home in between professional grooming sessions to maintain their clean coat.
- Feeding - Your cat or dog needs a consistent feeding schedule to stay healthy and thrive.
- Exercise - Your cat or dog needs a lot of exercise - make sure you get your daily walks, plenty of outside time, and bonding time in.
Wellness Exams, Vaccinations & Dental Care at All Bay Animal Hospital
Our vets in Concord should see your cat or dog every year for a physical checkup, so they can capture a complete snapshot of your animal's general health. Routine wellness exams, combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care, form the foundation of your pet's care plan. We also want to ensure your animal gets the dental healthcare it needs since most cats and dogs do not and later experience dental health concerns such as periodontal disease and oral pain.
Of course, your veterinarian will customize this plan so it's tailored to your pet's needs. That will become more important as your pet matures and its health needs evolve.
If you ever have any questions during vet visits or between appointments about how to take care of a pet, please don't hesitate to ask - it could contribute to a health condition being detected and diagnosed earlier, or even save your furry friend's life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.