3 Reasons Your Dog Should See A Veterinarian

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If you're a dog owner, you probably love the companionship that your furry friend provides. If you want to keep your faithful companion around for years to come, one person who can help make that happen is a veterinarian.

Here are three good reasons your dog should see a veterinarian.

1. Veterinarians Performs Routine Exams

Healthy adult dogs that are over one year old should have a routine exam at least once a year. Dogs that are over 7 years old might need to have a routine exam at least twice a year. Routine exams allow veterinarians to catch any signs of sickness and disease early on. The sooner a veterinarian diagnoses a sickness and disease, the easier it is to treat.

For example, during a routine exam, a veterinarian might notice an unusual growth on your dog's body. With early detection, the growth might simply need to be removed. If the lump goes untreated and is found to be cancerous, a more invasive and more expensive treatment may be necessary. Besides closely examining your dog, a veterinarian will also assess your dog's breathing, oral health, behavior, and weight.

2. Veterinarians Provide Many Necessary Services

Your dog will most likely need a variety of services that only a veterinarian can provide. Some of these veterinary services include:

If your dog becomes seriously injured or comes down with a serious illness, many veterinarians also offer emergency services. Your dog might also require surgery, which is another service most veterinarians offer. These surgeries might include tumor removal, wound repair, orthopedic surgery, eye surgery, and the removal of a foreign object.

3. Veterinarians Diagnose and Treat a Variety of Ailments

Dogs sometimes get sick, and when they do, a veterinarian will be able to diagnose your dog's illness based upon their symptoms. In order to accurately diagnose your dog's illness, a veterinarian will complete a physical examination, as well as perform labs and diagnostic testing. Some examples of diagnostic testing include CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds. These kinds of tests help to determine what is going on inside your dog's body.

Once the veterinarian diagnoses the disease, they will recommend a treatment plan for your dog. Depending on the ailment, a veterinarian might prescribe medication. They may also recommend a change in diet. Some ailments may require surgery. Some of the most common ailments in dogs include arthritis, ear infections, kennel cough, heartworm, distemper, parvovirus, and Lyme disease.


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