Circumstances That Should Prompt You to Take Your Dog to A Veterinary Hospital

Despite your pup being more independent than a human baby, you will still have to ensure that you feed it the right diet and provide it with medical care as needed. For some pet owners, this means taking their dog to the veterinary hospital when they fall ill but this should not be the extent of their visits to a health professional.

What you may be surprised to learn is that regular veterinary visits are just as crucial as a nutritious diet and regular exercise since appointments with a vet also contribute to their overall wellness. If you have never paid a visit to this professional before, check out the following circumstances that should prompt you to take your dog to a veterinary hospital.

When you bring your dog home

The biggest misassumption that some new pet owners have when it comes to owning a dog is that as long as it is an old pet then it does not need any vaccinations. But this is incorrect. The moment that you bring your pet home, whether you were gifted a puppy by a loved one or you have taken in a rescue, you must pay a visit to the veterinary hospital for a couple of reasons. First, as mentioned earlier, the vet will administer vital vaccinations both for your puppy's protection and the safety of your loved ones.

A few of the core vaccinations that puppies have to get while there are several weeks old include parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and so on. If you have a rescue dog that is a few years old but you are unaware of their history, the vet may suggest administering the entire course of vaccinations. Another reason why it is vital to go to a veterinary hospital the moment you get your dog is so that the medical professional can assess their health, which allows them to catch any underlying conditions before it is too late.

When your dog's personality has changed

If you have had your dog for several weeks, months or even years, you likely are familiar with their demeanour. While some pups are easily excitable others can be quite relaxed and a range of other characteristics in between. Hence, the moment you notice a drastic change to their usual personality, you should be concerned about a latent cause.

As an example, when your dog suddenly becomes aggressive and they are usually calm or friendly, it could mean that they are in pain. Nipping at people, growling and so on tend to indicate fear, so the animal may be terrified that anyone approaching them will cause them more discomfort. Alternatively, when your dog starts to exhibit behavioural changes such as being listless or sleeping all day, it may mean that they have come down with an illness.

To learn more, contact a local veterinary hospital.