Taking your beloved pet, such as your dog or cat, to a veterinarian should be, at the very least, a yearly phenomenon. By visiting the vet's office on a regular basis, you can ensure that your pet will enjoy a long lasting and healthy life. However, like most situations in life, it's best not to go into the situation "blind" so to speak. Throughout the course of this brief article, you'll learn about several common procedures your vet will perform on your pet during their annual checkup.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations for your cat or dog are absolutely imperative. Vaccines work by injecting antigens into your pet's body. Antigens are a substance that your body will confuse for a disease, but they are not actually a disease. They will help your pet's body prepare for the disease to which the antigen best corresponds, however. Your pet's immune system will be stimulated and will begin fortifying against the onslaught of the disease or bacterial infection in case it does happen to enter your pet's bloodstream.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis occurs when a sample of your pet's urine is taken, then this sample is placed on a slide smear and subsequently tested. During the test, your vet will be able to get a better idea of your pet's white blood cell count and any bacteria that is present in the urine. The white blood cell count is important, as a high presence in your pet's body can be indicative of the fact that your animal is currently fighting an infection. A urinalysis that returns an elevated amount of bacteria in your pet's urine can be indicative of a urinary infection.
Fecal Examination
A fecal examination occurs when a veterinarian takes a sample of your pet's stool and runs a few diagnostics on it. This is important, as the diagnostic scans can reveal if your pet – especially your dog – is suffering from any worms or stomach bacteria. Among the many types of parasites that are usually detected through the use of a fecal examination include heartworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and roundworms. A fecal examination can be especially helpful early on in your pet's life, when contracting such a parasite can often be fatal.
This brief guide should have given you some idea of what to expect from the vet's office, like Cat Care Clinic, whenever you bring in your pet for his or her yearly exam. Remember to keep your pet calm at the office and voice any concern you have with your pet's health with your trusted veterinarian.
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