This is possibly one of the biggest issues many pet owners have. Not all of us are blessed with the ability to take out insurance for our pets and although anyone who has a dog or cat will do everything in their power to make sure they get proper medical treatment when it's needed most, our pets are not always very good at telling us when they really need to see the vet.
Reasons Why You Wouldn't See a Vet
One of the biggest problems pet owners face is the stress it puts their animal through when they go to see the vet. We all know how they can react. If you have a cat, the minute that basket appears, they run for the hills! What's more, in some cases they seem to make a miraculous recovery.
Dogs, for some reason appear to have a sixth sense when they're being coaxed into the car. They seem to know this isn't going to be a nice day out for them and there are many people reading this that will nod their heads in agreement because they've been in a situation where their dog suddenly will not move for anyone and appears to have gained a stone in weight!
The other reason you may decide against going to see a vet is because your pet doesn't seem quite right but is still doing all the usual things. The appetite is still there, they still play (albeit reluctantly) and their sleeping pattern is ok, but there is just something that niggles at you.
Reasons Why You Would See a Vet
This is where we get to issues that you may not be able to see, but the signs are all there. For instance skin problems in dogs can be very sneaky, that is, until you get up one morning to find your pet needs treatment for dog mange!
The trick is to listen to your own gut instinct. If you really think there is something going on that could be due to a health issue, don't ignore it. For many animals, especially cats and dogs, if they develop an infection under the fur, if it's not treated it won't go away on its own and will simply get worse.
Now, this doesn't mean your beloved furry friend will need to be hospitalised, but it does mean that life for them will become very uncomfortable and pretty miserable. The point is that it is up to you to make the decision for them, not the other way around.
Alternatives
For the most part, your cat or dog will at least need to see a vet once. With skin problems in dogs it will need to be diagnosed by a professional, but this doesn't mean you will have to constantly buy the medicated shampoos your vet offers. There are plenty of alternative brands that are not as expensive but which are just as effective. The only thing you need to do is make sure you carry out the care regime your vet gives you.
When you're pondering over whether you should take your pet to the vets, think about the skin problems in dogs or cats and how it can affect them long-term. One visit, as stressful as it may be, could save a lot of trouble in the future.
