Just as it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with your vet before you hit the road with Fido, it’s also important to stay up to date with his annual vet checkup. These tips will help to ensure your furry best friend is happy and healthy in the year ahead.
Pet Insurance
Veterinary care can be life-saving, but it doesn’t have to drain your life savings. Pet insurance is a way of spreading costs and protecting both your pet and your bank account. Some pet insurance companies will even cover annual checkups or offer a wellness visit add-on option. The best time to buy coverage is early in a pet’s life, before the onset of any health problems, but you can enroll your pet at any age and even with pre-existing conditions. Consider signing your pet up for insurance prior to your annual vet visit.
Make a List of Questions
Just as you would ask your doctor questions regarding your own health, you should be prepared with questions to ask your veterinarian about your pet’s health. Some important questions to consider are:
- Am I feeding my pet the appropriate amount?
- Is my pet getting adequate nutrition from his food?
- Is my pet’s weight in an optimal range?
- Is my pet getting enough exercise?
You may also have questions specific to your pet regarding things like behaviors, breed traits and grooming. Jot them down ahead of time so you don’t leave anything unanswered.
Vaccinations
It’s important to keep your dog up-to-date on his annual vaccinations and boosters, not only for his health, but also if you plan to travel. The four core vaccinations your pet should receive are rabies, canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis and distemper. Your vet may recommend canine influenza and bordetella vaccinations if your pup goes to doggie daycare or the dog park. Dogs spending a lot of time outdoors, hiking, hunting or working may need to be vaccinated for Lyme disease and leptospirosis. Plan to discuss your pet’s lifestyle with your vet to find out what vaccinations are best and how often they should be administered.
Heartworm Testing and Prevention
Even if your pup is on a monthly heartworm preventative, your vet will likely recommend heartworm testing, especially if your pooch has spent time outdoors where mosquitoes that transmit the disease are present. For some vets, this is an optional test, but many will require the testing before providing you with additional preventatives. It’s a good idea to have your pet tested annually because heartworms can cause damage to your pup’s heart, lungs, liver and kidneys if left untreated. If your pet’s test comes back clear, be sure to pick up monthly preventatives to keep him heartworm-free for another year.
Medications
In addition to heartworm preventatives, ask your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your pet should be taking. While some flea and tick preventatives can be purchased over the counter, it’s a good idea to ask your vet for suggestions on the best option for your pet. Drops, chewable pills, collars, sprays and shampoos can be purchased at most veterinary offices. Your pet may also benefit from medications for conditions like anxiety, arthritis or allergies for his overall well-being, and your vet may suggest supplements or CBD for your pup’s joints, coat or digestion.
Microchip
If your pooch isn’t already microchipped, his annual vet visit is a great time to have this done. Microchipping is the best way to make sure you are reunited with your pet if you ever become separated. Unlike collars and ID tags which can break or be taken off, microchips are a permanent way of keeping your contact information up-to-date. Most veterinary offices, shelters and rescues throughout the U.S. have scanners to check for microchips if your pet is found, which is especially important if your pup goes missing while traveling.
Plan Ahead
While you’re at the vet, be sure to have your calendar handy and schedule your yearly checkup appointment for the following year. It’s easy to lose track of time, but scheduling your annual appointments in advance will help to keep Fido on track. While you’re there, schedule an annual cleaning of your canine’s canines. Dental health is extremely important for your pet’s overall health. Neglected teeth and gums can lead to heart issues, kidney and liver disease, and diabetes. The American Veterinary Medical Association sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February to bring awareness to the importance of oral hygiene in animals, and many veterinarians run specials on dental cleanings throughout the month. Some pet insurance plans will cover a yearly cleaning as well.
Travel Documents
Your annual vet visit is a good time to ask about any documentation you’ll need for upcoming travel. You can check BringFido for specific requirements for your destination, but your vet can help answer any questions you may have, too. It’s also a good time to make sure your pet is healthy enough for travel before you hit the road. Your vet can provide you with tips and may prescribe medications if your pup is prone to getting car sick or has anxiety while traveling.