By Melody McKinnon
Veterinarians should play a critical part in your pet’s health regime, both for prevention and treatment. However, there are ways to reduce the number of Vet visits required while still providing sufficient care.
8 Ways to Reduce Veterinarian Visits
Save yourself some money, time and stress with these eight tips:
1. Research
A search of any retail book website brings many pet care books to choose from. Invest in comprehensive, detailed pet care books that have been published recently (to avoid outdated information). You should also research specific dog breeds for common issues, so you can either avoid a high maintenance breed or take measures to prevent and control conditions that may develop. You can round out your knowledge at your local library and (cautiously) online, but a home pet library will provide easy reference 24/7.
2. Diet
A healthy, balanced diet and natural supplements are good for overall pet health, strong bones & joints, and fully functional organs. It also ensures optimal immune system function, which can help prevent everything from viruses to parasites. Home prepared diets may reduce disease and allergy symptoms.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
It’s difficult to say no to a begging pet, but you could be killing them with kindness if you give in. Overweight pets suffer many of the same complications as humans, including heart disease, diabetes, joint disease, and a compromised immune system. They’re even more susceptible than humans to bone breakage and back problems from being overweight. In addition to a healthy diet, exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, improves digestion, develops a strong skeletal and muscular structure, and supports optimum organ function.
4. Purchase Online
We are huge advocates of natural pet care, but sometimes pets need medication or a special diet to treat or manage a condition. Online purchasing from registered, licensed suppliers of over-the-counter medication, prescription medication, and prescription diets, can save you a lot of money and reduce vet visits. The best sources also provide veterinarian support. When shopping for pet medication online, it’s important to understand the dangers of online drug purchasing as advised by the FDA.
Don’t leave your Veterinarian out of the loop entirely. Your pet will still require a visit to the Vet to obtain a prescription and some conditions may require monitoring.
5. Reduce Exposure to Toxins
Cigarette smoke, pesticides, and low quality pet food can all result in a buildup of toxins in your pet. Avoiding toxins can reduce symptoms of chronic disease, allergies, and deadly illnesses such as cancer.
6. Home Dental Care
Diligent oral care prevents dental diseases and cavities. It may also prevent other problems related to dental disease, such as kidney and heart damage. Learn how to brush your pet’s teeth at home using natural toothpaste.
7. Accident Prevention
Most of us believe we do everything we can to keep our pets safe, but we can forget common hazards. Poison threats that are only present during holidays, travel safety, etc., are situations we should always be aware of. A quick search of the internet or reading through pet care books before these events is an effective way to remind ourselves of all possible danger.
8. Home Remedies & Therapies
There are more pet books on the market today than ever before, and many of them specialize in home remedies for common ailments. Others focus on a specific therapy, such as acupressure, TTouch, or massage. Still others provide information about essential oils, Bach Flower Remedies, magnetic therapy, herbs, and other natural therapies for pets. These resources can help you safely manage common ailments at home, but make sure the authors are qualified to guide you and share your plans with your Vet.
Notes of Caution
- Always consult with a Veterinarian in person for a positive diagnosis and prescriptions.
- Only rely on verifiable information when treating your pet at home. Be very careful when acting upon information you find on the internet, as it is rife with incorrect or outdated information, promotion, and fear mongering.
- Never assume that what is safe for humans is also safe for pets.
- Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for your pet.
Veterinarian visits are a part of life for responsible caregivers, but you can save a significant amount of time and money if you follow the above tips. Ultimately, your pet will enjoy a longer, healthier life and there’s no greater reward than that.
Author Bio:
Melody McKinnon’s research of natural pet care began with a curiosity about the failing immune system of tropical fish, and has since grown to include the natural, holistic care of all pets. Additionally, she owns CA Digital Media Group and is the author of ‘7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home.’ Melody covers a variety of pet care topics on AllNaturalPetCare.com.
———- Syndication ———-
A previous version of this article was published by Melody McKinnon on All Natural Pet Care. Republishing permitted as is, with byline, author bio, and this notation (including links). Image provided by Deposit Photos for editorial use only.
