America is truly a nation of animal lovers. According to a recent study, there are an estimated 69,926,000 dogs and 74,059,000 domesticated cats. Pets, or animal companions, are more than just animals that live with us. They truly become part of our families. In fact, it’s estimated that 45% of pet dogs sleep in their owner’s bed in the United States. As with any loved one, animal companions require medical attention and care as part of their general well being. Whether it be a routine physical or an emergency, finding the right animal hospital and veterinarian is an important part of caring for your beloved pet.
Did you know the average amount of veterinary office visits per dog owning households in the United States is approximately 2.6 per year? This may not seem like a lot, however, finding a reputable animal hospital with expertise in a variety of veterinary services and veterinary surgery is crucial to the overall health and well being of your pet. Most, if not all, modern animal hospitals perform several routine animal care services, such as surgeries, dental services, x rays, laboratory testing, and micro chipping in addition to wellness and health awareness programs. Animal companions, as well as people, benefit from technological advances in medicine. For example, laser therapy introduces heat and light deep into tissue, and is commonly used to treat chronic ailments such as arthritis or after surgical procedures. This is greatly reduces pain, and inflammation, in addition to promote the healing process. Laser therapy treatments last only a few minutes and cause no pain or discomfort to your animal companion. Animal hospitals also treat common medical conditions such as heart worms, ticks, fleas and even rabies. Though rabies is carefully controlled through proper vaccination, in 2012, 81 dogs in the United States contracted the rabies virus. Symptoms include pain, fever, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord which may lead to unusual and aggressive behavior. Your veterinarian will work carefully with you and give you the tools you need to keep your pet healthy.
You should not avoid taking your animal companion to the vet for fear of expense. Many animal hospitals accept pet insurance, as well as offer payment programs and arrangements for those who are uninsured. Though finding the right animal care specialist may take some time, it is well worth it in the end for your own peace of mind, and the health of your pet!