For both cats and dogs, heartworm disease is something to be guarded against. Did you know that even indoor cats can get heartworm disease? Thirty three percent of owners who have cats with heartworm say they are indoor cats. This is because heartworm is actually spread by mosquitos that can, of course, slip inside your house.
To ensure that your animals live a long and healthy life, pet veterinarians are a must. Most animals will be fine if they visit the vet once or twice a year. For animals with more chronic issues, the regularity of visits might increase. Either way, good veterinary care is a necessary aspect of pet ownership and the responsibility that comes with it.
What should you look for in pet veterinarians? There are several things you should keep in mind. First, find pet veterinarians that specialize in care for your pet. Although vets are trained to handle a variety of animals, they generally tend to concentrate on a few in actual practice. Many vet clinics focus on dogs and cats, while some only serve one or the other, or are for horses, or have special services for small and unusual pets, like reptiles.
A good way to start up a list of pet veterinarians to check out is to ask your friends, neighbors, and family if they have a favorite vet, or someone they would recommend you not go to because of bad experiences. Additionally, you could search for local reviews online and see what people are saying about different clinics.
Remember that not all pet veterinarians are made equal. Take a tour of the facilities. Are they clean and organized? Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable? If possible, try and talk to the veterinarian for pets before scheduling an appointment. Ask them about common introductory procedures like declawing, spaying and neutering, et cetera, and find out what methods they use. Generally, you want someone who is familiar with and who can handle the latest in veterinary care. It is now possible, and frequently practiced, to remove claws via lasers rather than more invasive surgery.
