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What To Expect When Visiting Ottawa Veterinarians The First Time

28 13:29:27
One of the greatest sacrifices that pet owners make for the sake of their animal is the financial burden of animal health care. While caring for a dog, cat, or bird's medical needs is far less expensive than it is for a human, it can still be quite a hit on the pocketbook. This makes finding a good veterinary service very important to most pet owners, they want to be sure that they are getting good care for the price they pay. Finding the right Ottawa veterinarian for your pet can seem a daunting task, but it can be quite simple if you just know what to expect.

Many people find it preferable to visit Ottawa veterinarians who work in small or private offices rather than those who work for animal hospitals, but this does not mean that a veterinarian working at a hospital has fewer credentials. A vet in a small office will simply be able to provide a greater level of individual care for your pet that many find comforting, especially when emergencies occur. If your private veterinarian does not perform surgeries, he or she will have connections to a trusted animal hospital where these procedures can take place if they become necessary while your pet is a patient.

On your first visit, most Ottawa veterinarians will follow a similar set of procedures. Their assistants or secretaries will create a file for you and your pet. They will ask for any existing medical history on the animal, such as its approximate age, whether it has been spayed or neutered, if it has had any vaccinations against common diseases, and whether you have noticed any peculiar sensitivities to food or the environment. The staff will then weigh your pet and add this information to the file. You and your pet will be shown to a private room where the veterinarian will then come to see you and inspect your pet. Knowing its age and weight, the vet can judge whether the animal is getting too much or too little food. The quality of the coat, skin, or feathers will also be an indicator if the animal is healthy; dogs, cats, and other furred animals will have shiny, smooth coats, while birds will have strong feathers well attached and brightly colored with the breed's appropriate markings. Reptiles will be inspected for scabbing around the mouth and anal region to determine their health, and other animals will usually receive a short oral exam as well to determine their dental health. Ears, feet, and eyes are usually also given a quick inspection to check for infections or injuries.

For many people, thinking about visiting Ottawa veterinarians with their pet can be stressful because they aren't sure how their animal react. Will the animal be afraid and try to hurt the vet? Be assured, Ottawa veterinarians are very experienced and most have seen hundreds of animals in their time; they have seen the whole spectrum of reactions to their examinations. Be prepared to hold and comfort your animal if necessary, especially if it is considerably larger. If you feel it might help, bring along a toy or some object your pet is familiar with to distract it or comfort it. Treats can also be helpful, especially for those animals who are very food-motivated. Even if your pet struggles a bit at getting poked and prodded, it is unlikely that anything dramatic will occur.

Most veterinarians like to see their patients about once a year for a general check-up, just the way human doctors like their patients to come in regularly. Sometimes you may need to make a quick trip to the vet's office for immunization or medication updates; for example, many heart worm medications for dogs must be administered every six months. However often you see your pet's veterinarian, the visits are much more pleasant if you have been able to find one that you feel you can trust with your beloved pet's health.