As a pet owner, you’re responsible for your animal companions, and this includes making sure their health needs are met by regularly bringing them to see their veterinarian. 

Think of it as routine maintenance for pets. These “wellness exams” give you a chance to track your pet’s growth and development, and discuss any concerns with your vet.

 

 

Cats and Dogs

To ensure they stay healthy, dogs and cats require a number of vaccinations. When your pets are little, expect to visit the vet every three to four weeks (until they’re about four months old).

Adult dogs and cats should see the vet once a year for a checkup and to get any vaccine boosters that are necessary. When your animal is old enough to be called a senior (usually around ten years old) they should see their vet twice a year.

 

 

Rabbits

Young rabbits should be spayed or neutered to avoid future health or behavioural issues. After that, a yearly checkup will ensure that they’re in good health. Older rabbits and those with health issues may need to see the vet more often.

 

 

 

 

Birds

It may be more important to bring your bird for regular veterinary visits than it is for any other animal. This is because birds have evolved to hide signs of illness in the wild. A yearly visit to the vet should be enough to ensure they’re healthy and to spot subtle signs of disease before it’s too late. 

Make sure your bird’s veterinarian is qualified or experienced enough to treat pet birds. Avian medicine has become a specialized part of veterinary medicine, and most general practitioners are not comfortable or knowledgeable in avian (pet bird) medicine. 

 

 

 

Keep an Eye on Their Health at Home

No matter what species of animal you share your home with, make sure you’re familiar with their normal habits and moods. This will help you recognize when there’s a change in behaviour or other types of indication that something’s wrong. If you notice a sign that your pet isn’t feeling well, getting them checked out quickly can make a big difference.

 

 

Move Your Doggie offers dog walking and pet sitting services in Ajax, Oshawa, and Whitby, in Durham Region. 

Move Your Doggie requires all our furry friends to be up to date with their required vaccinations and to be registered with their city/town if they will be walked. Having all our pets’ information on file with up-to-date information about their vaccinations ensures that all the pets we care for are protected,  as our Walkers work with several pets on a daily basis. Having your pets licenced is a legal requirement by your city/town by-law. We require that all dogs, while in our care of their home property, are licenced and wearing their licence tag at all times. 

For more information and to book your complimentary Meet and Greet, please visit our Contact Us page.