HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE MY DOG TO THE VET

It is advisable that you should at least take your dog to see a vet once a year for annual check-up especially when they are still little puppies or senior dogs.

Dogs grow faster than humans and can easily catch up on diseases, in order to help your dog to live longer and heathier, you should take them to see a vet regularly.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE MY ADULT DOG TO THE VET FOR A CHECK-UP?

Healthy adult dogs should be regularly taken to a veterinary clinic at least once a year for check-ups.

 They should be regularly vaccinated to prevent diseases, the age, breed and health of your dog also determines how often you should take your adult dog to a vet clinic.

If you live in an area where ticks are, it is advisable you visit your vet frequently for Lyme disease test to be carried out. Frequents visits to your vet is not covered by pet insurance.

 But there are better pet insurance policies that offer other options that will cover your expenses like annual wellness exams.

Also Read; WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY PUPPY BE TAKEN TO THE VET CLINIC?

Little puppies should be taken to see a vet during their first six months, the reason is because, at this stage they can easily contact any disease if not properly taken care of and get needed vaccinations.

Two to three weeks old;

During this stage, (first check-up) the vet will check out the overall health of the puppy and also give medications to deworm.

Six to eight weeks old;

At this stage, you should visit your vet again in order to receive the first vaccination for your puppy and also a heartworm medication, flea and tick prevention and treatments, and microchip.

Up to six months old;

At this stage, your puppy will be needing more vet visits to get vaccinated at 12 and 16 weeks of age.

 Sometimes you will need to bring in your puppy back a couple of times in between vaccinations for wellness.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO TAKE MY SENIOR DOG TO THE VET?

Older dogs need more medical examinations which includes blood and urine tests, this is required in other to check for common canine disease, such as diabetes and thyroid diseases, which will require your dog being vaccinated. Older breeds should visit a vet more than once a year.

Also Read; How long do dogs live.

Mature dogs sometimes do show uncommon behaviors that indicates that they need extra check-up, that is why, as a dog breeder, you should always monitor your dog for any changes. 

For example, if you notice your dog drinking more quantity of water than the usual, and urinates more often than usual, lose some weight and become distracted.

 They are easily scared; you should take them to a vet for check-up. Signs like these should not be taken for granted because it indicates the onset of kidney disease, thyroid, diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis or other related diseases.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY PREGNANT DOG BE TAKEN TO THE VET CLINIC?

If your dog is pregnant, a prenatal check-up after mating two or three weeks after, if possible.

 Taking your dog to see a vet multiple times during pregnancy is advisable, some blood tests are required to review the nutritional needs for your pregnant dog. 

Your vet will also carry out an ultra sound test to check if the puppies in the womb are healthy, starting at about four weeks.

During the third trimester, you may be required to visit your vet more often, this stage begins on the 45^th day.

 Before your dog puts to birth, an x-ray will be conducted to check the sizes of the puppies, and if the puppies are too large to come out through the birth canal, a C- section may be performed.

 It is advisable that dog breeders should allow their female dogs go through heat cycle several times before breeding them, this will help them to be physically mature to handle their pups.

Related article; How long are dogs pregnant.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY?

First of all, monitor your dog closely, if you notice a change in behavior then you should see a veterinarian or call your vet. 

You can also speak to a vet online if your vet is unavailable at the moment. If your dog is vomiting, or lacks energy and whines too much.

SIGNS OF IMMINENT DEATH THREATS OR INJURIES THAT MAY REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY;

1.       Weak or fast pulse

2.       If your dog is having bloody stool.

3.       Loss of consciousness.

4.       If your dog unexpectedly collapse.

5.       If your dog is having heavy or difficulty in breathing.

6.       Seizures

7.       Cannot move around or stand.

8.       Vomiting for more than six to 12 hours.

One of the benefits of having a pet insurance is that you have access to a 24/7 vet hotline, for assistance or emergencies.

Suspicious about your dog eating poison? Immediately alert your vet or ASPCA, Animal poison control centers, a 24 hours’ hotline (888)426-4435.

CAN PET INSURANCE HELP PAY FOR VETS VISITS?

It all depends on your insurance plan, having a pet insurance covers all expenses for accidents and illnesses like fractured bone or ear infection.

Vaccinations, flea, heartworm, tick and wellness exams are not included in a standard pet insurance plan, if you need all these to be taken care of, you will need an optional wellness plan to be added, if not regular visits to your pet vet is on your own expenses.

The question is, can you spend on your pet $5,000b to $12,000 vet bill if they had a serious accident or illness? Would you run into a credit card debt or this won’t allow you to save for the future?

If the answer is yes, do not worry because according to Forbeesadvisor survey of dog owners, pet insurance has the ability to help you reduce the cost of treatment for unexpected vet bills. 

Therefore, it is advisable that you add a wellness plan, this will assist you pay bills for routine check-ups and vaccinations.

WHAT DOES PET INSURANCE COVER?

1.    ACCIDENT AND ILLNESS PLANS

Thinking of going for this plan? Good idea, because this plan covers expenses like surgery for intestinal obstructions and insulininjections if your dog has diabetes. 

Though this plan does not cover conditions such as grooming, routine exam fees and dental cleanings.

2.    ACCIDENT ONLY-PLANS

This plan does not cover illnesses like Thyroid diseases, or urinary tract infections. 

It only covers expenses if your dog gets bitten by a wild animal or ingest toxic substance like a window cleaner.

3.    WELLNESS AND ROUTINE CARE PLANS

If you decide to go for this plan, you can get regular check-up for your dog, as this covers the expenses.

HOW MUCH DOES PET INSURANCE COST?

An analysis of the average cost of pet insurance is $44 per month for dogs. With $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement.

THE COST OF PET INSURANCE DEPENDS ON A LOT OF CERTAIN FACTORS;

·         The breed

·         The age of your pet

·         Your location

·         The insurance company

·         Specific benefits within the policy

·         Annual maximum of the plan you buy

·         Deductible

·         Reimbursement percentage.

To avoid paying unexpected vet bills, you should always pay attention to your dog and observe them closely and keep them away from eating grapes, or too much of pineapple, especially older dogs, and if pregnant, follow the rules given to you by your pet vet.

 Always keep your home clean to avoid fleas from attacking you or your pet dog. While you are looking for a better pet insurance plan for your dog, you can as well join in our $1000 amazon and $100 McDonalds free giveaway to shop on my store your dog’s favorite snack/treats.

Loved this article? Kindly go through our blog for more queries you might have about your dog or any other animal you keep as pet.

WRITER; GEORGE BLESSED (ANIMAL KINDGOM GUIDE)