When to Seek Veterinary Care

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It’s important to keep pets healthy. If you notice any of the following signs in your dog or cat, contact your veterinarian:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased thirst
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Trouble getting up or down
  • Strange lumps
  • Increased or decrease urination
  • Rapid weight gain or loss
  • Poor coat
  • Vomiting
  • Straining to urinate
  • Urination outside of the litter box
  • Blood in urine
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Difficulty breathing

Following are signs that a horse may need veterinary care:

  • Ears back and flat
  • Lowered head
  • Sweating
  • Lying down, unable to get up
  • Runny or bloody nose
  • Unusual behavior
  • Grinding teeth
  • Droppings loose or an unusual color

Keeping your animals healthy:

A healthy diet, regular exercise, vaccinations and annual wellness exams will help extend the life of the animals that depend on you.

Parasites are a constant concern for horse owners, and the severity of the problem can be reduced by following a regular preventive deworming program formulated by your veterinarian. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, by following good management practices you can control the frequency and spread of internal parasites:

  • Remove manure daily from stalls and weekly from pastures.
  • Be sure pastures and paddocks are well-drained and not overpopulated.
  • Compost manure rather than spreading it on fields where horses graze.
  • Use a feeder for hay and grain and avoid ground feeding.
  • Initiate effective fly control programs.
  • Routinely examine horses for telltale signs of infestation.
  • Establish a parasite prevention and monitoring program with your veterinarian.

Regular veterinary care:

In order for your veterinarian to maintain your pet’s good health, it is important for you to schedule regular checkups and practice preventive care at home. Preventive care can often save you money in the long run by keeping your pet healthier and less likely to develop illnesses.

When choosing your veterinarian, use the same care and criteria that you would in selecting a physician or dentist. Think about what is important to you: location, office hours, payment options, and the range of medical services provided. Your goal should be to find the veterinarian who you believe can best meet your pet’s medical needs and with whom you feel comfortable in establishing a long-term relationship.