Choosing Great Pets

When you get a new dog, he or she will become part of the family, and he or she will need just as much love and care as a human family member. One important aspect of caring for your dog throughout his or her life is to ensure that he or she receives good veterinary care. One way to make this happen is by choosing an animal care hospital in your area where your dog can see caring and experienced vets who will do their best to keep your dog happy and healthy. There are a number of reasons to take your dog to an animal care hospital, including the following:

Vaccinations

Whether your dog is a puppy or a fully grown adult, vaccinations are a vital part of overall good health. There are a number of diseases that dogs are at risk for, and some of them can be fatal. Luckily there are many vaccinations available that can protect your dog from common canine diseases. If your dog is a puppy, he or she will need a variety of vaccinations over the course of a few months. Adult dogs will also need to come in for booster shots and an annual rabies shots. Most cities and municipalities require a dog to be up to date on his or her rabies vaccinations in order to be licensed, so you don't want to forget about this vaccine.

Spaying and Neutering

Local animal shelters are overflowing with dogs who need homes, so at this time, spaying and neutering dogs is one of the best ways to control the dog population. In addition, spaying and neutering can have a number of health benefits for a dog, such as calmer, less aggressive behavior and a lower risk of certain canine cancers. Almost all animal care hospitals offer spaying and neutering services, and in most cases, the procedure is quite affordable. You can drop your dog off at the animal care hospital in the morning and pick him or her up in the evening of the same day after the surgery is completed and he or she has been observed for a couple of hours.

Emergency Treatment

Any time your dog is sick or injured, it is important to seek veterinary care right away. Vomiting, persistent diarrhea, seizures, loss of the use of limbs, or crying in pain are all good reasons to take your dog to an animal care hospital. Some animal care hospitals also have the equipment and staff available to care for dogs who have suffered a trauma, such as being hit by a car.