Although your pet may appear healthy, regular pet health checks and pet vaccinations are vital. A thorough vet check by our Coffs Harbour or Toormina vet hospitals may spot problems early before they become much bigger problems. These include weight loss or gain, dental disease, a heart murmur, an internal tumour, or a skin or ear condition you may not have noticed or thought was normal. Additionally, a pet health check gives you time to speak to the vet about looking after your pet and ask any questions you may have.
Because animals age much faster than humans, problems can develop quickly. Consequently, a pet health check is included with every vaccination; therefore, all pets should be seen at least once a year. In addition, older animals or animals on prescription medications should be checked by a vet at least every 6 months.
Vaccinations protect against preventable diseases. Furthermore, vaccinations are substantially less expensive than the cost of vet treatment for the diseases they protect against. Plus, vaccinations protect your pet from transmissible diseases in boarding facilities, parks, and even when they visit the vet. In addition, if your pet has to be hospitalised for any illness, their immune system may already be compromised; therefore, you want to ensure they are protected.
To begin with, puppies and kittens receive a core vaccination course consisting of three vaccinations during their first 16 weeks. After that, we’ll recommend a schedule of boosters in the future. Vet checks and vaccinations are generally recommended annually for an adult dog or cat. And remember, an annual Canine Cough (or Kennel Cough) vaccination is essential if you board your dog.
See our resources on Puppy Care and Kitten Care for more information.