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. Kato Animal Hospital on Danforth Avenue has been caring for Toronto pets for a long time, and a question we often hear is “how often should my pet see the vet?” Here’s what you need to know about the frequency of visits to the vet, depending on the species of your pet.
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 dog 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.
At Kato Animal Hospital, we can refer you to a vet that specializes in rabbits and birds.
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 type 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. If you’ve noticed a change in your pet or they just need an annual exam, you can trust a veterinarian from Kato Animal Hospital. We’ve offered comprehensive veterinarian services, including x-ray, and vaccinations in Toronto for over 35 years, and we always treat our animal patients like members of our own family. Call us today to make an appointment.
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