[Veterinarian's commentary] A must-see for dog and cat lovers! Recommended health checks
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Hello! Spring is almost here.
Many people have been advised to have their beloved dog or cat checked for health checks, but aren't entirely sure if they are necessary.
This time, we will explain in detail about health checkups from a veterinarian's perspective!
In addition, Bow Wow Place offers a wide range of food snacks and care products that contain the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Please use the correct information to help maintain the health of your beloved dog!
1. Overview of Health Checkups
◆ What are health checkups for dogs and cats?
Many of us humans undergo health checkups at our workplaces about once a year. In fact, dogs and cats can also undergo health checkups.
Many of the tests are similar to those used in humans.
Especially in the spring, there may be health check-up campaigns and other offers that are more affordable than usual, so take this opportunity to check with your local veterinary clinic!
◆ Why is it necessary?
Dogs and cats cannot speak human language, and they tend to hide their pain or illness so that others don't know about it.
Furthermore, with severe tumors, the disease can progress quite quickly.
Due to these factors, by the time owners notice their pet is unwell, it may already be too late.
It is very important for your precious partner to have regular health checkups so that you can notice any abnormalities as soon as possible.
◆ Items to be inspected
The items set vary depending on the veterinary clinic, but I think most clinics base their tests on a physical examination and blood tests.
During a physical examination, we use palpation and auscultation to check for any pain in the body, the condition of the skin, inside the mouth, inside the ears, and lymph nodes, and the sounds of the heart and lungs.
Blood tests are used to check for anemia and for abnormalities in organs such as the kidneys and liver. Some veterinary clinics also offer blood test options to check hormone levels for the thyroid and adrenal glands.
Other options include X-rays, ultrasounds, fecal tests, and urine tests.
X-rays can reveal whether there are any abnormalities in the bones, abnormalities in the chest (such as lung tumors or tracheal abnormalities), or abnormalities in the abdomen (such as bladder stones, kidney stones, or general morphological abnormalities of each organ).
Ultrasound examinations can reveal the movement of the heart, detailed structure of the organs inside the abdomen, and the movement of the stomach and intestines.
Fecal tests can reveal the presence or absence of parasites and the balance of intestinal bacteria.
A urine test can reveal whether or not there are crystals in the urine, or if there is a bacterial infection.
I've listed the tests that will be performed so far, but the items that are necessary will vary depending on the pet's age and past medical history, so please consult with your veterinarian before making a decision!
2. Recommended Frequency
◆ When you acquire or protect the property
If you are bringing a new dog or cat into your home, it is a good idea to have it checked for health at that time.Especially if you have rescued a stray cat, there is a chance that it may have fleas or ticks, so don't forget to start administering preventative medication!
◆ Young Age
Until your child reaches about 6-7 years of age, unless they have a chronic illness, it is fine to brush them about once a year. Of course, there is no problem if you brush them more frequently!It is important to decide on a time each year to have a health check and to remember to have it regularly. Also, it may be enough to only have basic tests.
◆ Senior and Beyond
From the age of 7 or 8 onwards, they enter the senior stage, when various health problems begin to appear.From this point on, it is a good idea to have a health check-up twice a year if possible, so that any problems can be detected early. It may be a good idea to increase the number of tests compared to when you were younger, and to have more detailed examinations.
3. Things to be aware of before the test
Fasting
Depending on the test, you may be asked to fast before the test.
However, there are exceptions if your pet has a chronic illness and requires medication, so please consult your veterinarian.
◆ Be careful when urinating!
If urine is to be collected at the hospital for a urine test, you will need to take some measures, such as staggering your pet's walk times so that it does not urinate immediately before the test, or taking it for a walk after the hospital visit.
◆ Time required
If there are many tests to be done, you may have to drop off your pet at the veterinary clinic in the morning and pick it up in the evening.
It is best to schedule the health check on a day when the owner has the most flexibility in their schedule.
Summary: Get regular health checkups!
This time I will explain more about health checkups.
How was it?
The important thing is to get regular checkups to detect problems early.
Also, by going for regular health checkups, you will be able to communicate with the hospital staff, making it easier to ask for advice in case of an emergency!
Please consider taking this opportunity to get a health check.
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