Our cats, dogs, and other small animals are great companions for us at any stage of our lives. Indeed, studies have shown repeatedly that cats and dogs, in particular, are a great source of comfort for elderly people and those of us who are single. Cats and dogs provide affection and comfort and make us feel as if we have a reason to get up in the morning. This also means that they quickly become a big part of our family. In this sense, they are wonderful companions. But what happens when your pet is sick all of a sudden?
What Can a Local Vet Do for You?
The fact is that just the same as us, our pets also need health care from time to time. Sometimes they have chronic health conditions that require ongoing treatment and medication; other times, they end up being hurt and need veterinary care that is rapid and professional in nature. This is where emergency local vets can really help.
When your pet is sick, a veterinary clinic can be a lifesaver. Imagine that your cat or dog has been hit by a car and it’s a Saturday night. How many regular vets are going to be around to help? Fortunately, an emergency vet can get to the clinic and be there to help your animal companion at a moment’s notice. Indeed, life is unpredictable and one never knows when health problems can strike!
Typically, veterinary clinics offer the following sorts of services to their patients:
- Checkups: Just the same as humans, our animals need regular health checkups too. This is especially true if the animal has ongoing health issues or is suffering from conditions such as arthritis because they are elderly. Regular checkups every year can ensure that your pets are healthy.
- Vaccinations: The fact is that diseases such as Parvo can turn everything upside down and be deadly for a dog. This is why it is so important to have your vet administer these types of vaccines. For cats too, being fully vaccinated is important to protect against the many pathogens they might come across in their travels.
- Imaging: Sometimes your precious pet needs to be X-rayed. What if he or she has been hit by a vehicle? Sometimes, the vet just needs to have a look inside to see if there is any further internal damage or broken bones that need to be dealt with.
Looking After Your Pet
Given how important our pets are to us, it is important to ensure that they also get the best health treatment from a local vet. Looking after any animal goes beyond just feeding them right and giving affection. It also means having the contact details of the local vet handy.