When your dog doesn't seem interested in eating his food, do you know what to do? When your dog vomits often, could there be something serious wrong with him? If he struggles to get up the stairs, does he need to see a vet? Having never owned an older dog, I knew nothing about the things that can begin to go wrong when dogs age. I adopted this guy when my neighbor moved into a nursing home and had to learn a lot about how to care for an older dog. My blog is filled with the many things that I have learned over the last year through the help of my vet.
caring for an elderly dog
What Does a Veterinary Clinic Provide ?
Lucy Grant
Whether you are a current pet parent or considering adding a fluffy, furry, or feathered friend to your home, understanding what a local veterinary clinic has to offer is at the top of the list. Just like canines are considered "man's best friend," the same can be said for a quality clinic with experienced technicians and doctors providing a variety of healthcare services.
Basic Services
Regardless of the type or age of a pet, a veterinarian with a general practice provides basic healthcare for newborns and adolescents as well as mature and senior animals. For young pets visiting for the first time, the veterinarian will check the pet's weight, ears, and teeth and administer vaccinations, worming, and flea prevention. If your pet is experiencing any problems such as not eating, difficulty breathing, or lack of energy, x-rays may be necessary along with prescribed medications and a change in diet to prescription food products.
Each year the veterinarian will do a follow-up to update vaccinations and check the pet's overall health for any existing problems or resurgence of old health issues.
Surgery
A veterinary clinic usually has multiple doctors on staff that can not only perform basic checkups and diagnose health issues, but also perform necessary surgery. In a private practice, there may be one licensed veterinarian who also has the knowledge and experience to do standard surgery such as spaying and neutering as well as more specialized surgical procedures.
Boarding
Many times a pet will need to stay overnight, or longer, at the clinic when they've undergone surgery. Pets have round-the-clock supervision with technicians on hand should there be an emergency and veterinarians on call if they are needed when the clinic is closed. Veterinarians also offer boarding services, for a fee, for those going out of town. Boarding a pet at a clinic provides reassurance that your pet will be fed, watered, exercised, and secure while you're away.
Grooming
Whether a pet needs a flea treatment bath, nail trimming, teeth cleaning, clipping, brushing, or combing, a veterinary clinic may offer these services performed by qualified technicians.
Other Services
A veterinary clinic may serve as a one-stop center for all of your pet's needs. Items a clinic may provide include prescription food, on-site pharmacy, collars, leashes, carriers, and flea and tick supplies.
Veterinary clinics also provide end-of-life services in the event a pet does not survive an accident or succumbs to illness or old age. Contact a clinic in your area, such as Parkview Animal Hospital, for more information about pet care.
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