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Why Your Dog’s Annual Vet Visits Are Worth the Cost
Why Your Dog’s Annual Vet Visits Are Worth the Cost

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Why Your Dog’s Annual Vet Visits Are Worth the Cost

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Have you ever noticed that your dog isn’t always the best at letting you know how they’re feeling, health-wise? Sure, that wagging tail tells you they’re happy, but what does it mean when they start sleeping longer, or not at all? What if they seem less interested in their food, or more interested in water?

These are the kinds of questions your vet can answer at your dog’s annual vet visits. Plus, routine vet care is the best method for preventing health problems in your dog before they arise. To help you and your dog get the most out of your next annual visit, we’re answering some common questions about checkups.

 

 

How Often Should a Dog Visit the Vet?

Our friends at Banfield Pet Hospital recommend partnering with your veterinarian to determine how often you should bring your pet in for comprehensive exams. If you haven’t had a chance to speak with your vet, making time for an annual checkup is a great place to start. Yearly visits help mark milestones in your dog’s growth while monitoring ongoing concerns or spotting new developments. If you haven’t seen your vet in over a year, why not schedule an appointment?

 

Why Does My Dog Need a Checkup?

Yearly visits are a great opportunity to make a plan for your pet’s health — while spotting any problems before they get more serious. Plus, you may realize you had questions about your pet’s health, but didn’t know how or who to ask.

It’s also important for you and your pet to get comfortable with your veterinarian. Taking your dog to the vet when there are no pressing health concerns gives them a better chance of seeing the vet as a safe and familiar place to visit. (In the event of a sudden or severe change in your pet’s health, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately, rather than waiting for your next scheduled checkup.)

 

How Much Does a Dog Vet Visit Cost?

Cost is a common concern when it comes to vet visits. You may be wondering, “How much is a vet visit?” Unfortunately, there’s no standard answer. Vet visit cost generally depends on your veterinarian, your location and what type of services they offer during your pet’s checkup, which can include a physical exam, routine bloodwork and vaccinations, and chatting about how your pup is doing and whether you’ve noticed any changes in them. A 2019-2020 survey found that dog owners paid $212 on average for yearly routine vet visits1; many vet offices charge a standard exam fee of $40–$60 with additional costs for other services and diagnostics.2

Some pet health providers, like Banfield, offer annual preventive care packages with payment plans so pet owners have the option to budget the cost over the course of the next 12 months. As with most questions related to your visit, asking your vet is the most direct way to find out.

Right now, IAMS is helping dog owners skip the cost of their yearly checkups altogether. All you have to do is buy two qualifying bags of IAMS dog food; then, redeem your receipts here and IAMS will pay for the cost of your annual checkup. Your dog gets to eat veterinarian-recommended food and you get to save money. Win-win!

 

How Can I Keep My Dog Healthy Before the Visit?

Nutrition and exercise are two of your most valuable tools to keep your pet on track between vet visits. In addition to examining your pet, your veterinarian can advise on how much exercise your pet needs and the right diet for them.

In general, the best nutritional option for your pet is a consistent, balanced and veterinarian-approved diet that meets their individual nutritional requirements and is appropriate for their life stage. No one formula is ideal for all pets, and your pet’s diet may need to change over time based on their lifestyle, life stage and medical history. That’s why IAMS offers a variety of diets to fit your dog’s unique needs — all designed to help promote healthy digestion, healthy skin and coat, and healthy energy for your best friend.

 

What Do I Do After My Dog’s Annual Checkup?

Hopefully you’ve followed our tips for helping you and your veterinarian bring out your dog’s unique best by making good use of their annual visit. During the checkup, your vet will probably give you advice on things to watch out for as your dog grows, as well as some practical advice for keeping them healthy in the meantime. Follow their guidance and, above all, keep loving on your furry family member.

 

Sources

1 Pet Industry Market Size, Trends & Ownership Statistics. (2021, March 24). Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats

2 Banfield Price Estimator. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.banfield.com/Services/price-estimator

Why Your Dog’s Annual Vet Visits Are Worth the Cost
Why Your Dog’s Annual Vet Visits Are Worth the Cost
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    Vitamins for Dogs - Benefits & Importance

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    Dog multivitamins have become an increasingly popular supplement in pet care, designed to support overall canine health and well-being. Just as humans benefit from a balanced diet, dogs also require essential vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health. These supplements are formulated to fill potential nutritional gaps in a dog's diet, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for proper growth, immune function, and energy levels. Multivitamins can be particularly beneficial for dogs with specific dietary restrictions, older dogs, or those recovering from illness. However, it is essential for pet parents to consult with veterinarians to determine the appropriate supplement and dosage for their furry companions.


    What are vitamins and multivitamins?

    Vitamins for dogs are essential organic compounds crucial for various physiological functions in both humans and dogs. These micronutrients, including A, B-complex, C, D, and E vitamins, play key roles in immune function, bone health, energy metabolism, and skin maintenance. Multivitamins for dogs consolidate these vital nutrients, providing a comprehensive and balanced nutritional boost to address potential dietary deficiencies.
     

    If you are looking for vitamins for dogs in the Philippines, the IAMS dog supplement range has you covered.  Tailored for canine needs, these supplements are particularly beneficial for dogs with specific health conditions, dietary restrictions, or those requiring additional support for overall well-being.


    Can dogs have multivitamins?

    Yes, multivitamins and vitamins for dogs can prove to be very useful, especially in specific life stages or health situations. While quality dog food is designed to meet most nutritional needs, supplements become more valuable for puppies, seniors, pregnant or lactating females, and dogs with health conditions. These stages are the most crucial and are the best time to give multivitamins to dogs.
     

    Caution is crucial, as human vitamins can be harmful to dogs. Consulting a veterinarian is essential to determine if supplementation is necessary, ensuring the right dosage and nutrient balance. Veterinarians assess the dog's health, diet, and medical history to provide tailored recommendations, enhancing well-being without posing risks. Judicious use of vitamins, under veterinary guidance, can benefit certain canine companions.


    Benefits of vitamins and multivitamins in dogs

    Integrating dog multivitamins into your furry baby’s diet offers a spectrum of benefits. These supplements contribute to enhanced immune function, promoting resilience against illnesses. Additionally, they support healthy skin and coat, minimising issues like dryness and shedding. For puppies, vitamins aid in proper growth and development, while senior dogs may experience increased vitality and joint support. Multivitamins are particularly valuable for dogs with specific health concerns, such as joint problems or allergies. Overall, vitamins for dogs act as nutritional insurance, ensuring that dogs receive the essential elements vital for their overall health and vitality.


    Are vitamins and multivitamins good for dogs?

    When administered thoughtfully and under veterinary guidance, dog multivitamins can prove to be extremely beneficial. While quality dog food provides essential nutrients, supplementation becomes crucial in addressing specific needs or potential deficiencies. However, it is vital to avoid self-prescribing human vitamins, as certain substances can be toxic to dogs. Professional advice ensures that the supplementation is tailored to the dog's unique requirements, promoting overall well-being without adverse effects. Responsible use of vitamins, guided by a veterinarian, can contribute to a dog's health and vitality.          


    Vitamin and minerals supplements and foods rich in vitamins and minerals

    Ensuring your furry friend receives the right balance of vitamins and minerals is crucial for their overall health. While a well-balanced diet is the foundation of canine nutrition, certain situations may call for certain good vitamins for dogs as additional support. This is where vitamin and mineral supplements come into play. Dog multivitamins are specially formulated to address potential nutrient gaps, supporting everything from immune function to bone health.
     

    In addition to supplements, incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your dog's diet is essential. Some of the best dog vitamin sources are:

    • Meat: Lean meats like chicken and turkey provide essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

    •  Fish: Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting a healthy coat and supporting cardiovascular health.

    • Vegetables: Dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale offer vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.

    •  Fruits: Berries, apples, and bananas are not only tasty treats but also provide vitamins and antioxidants.

    • Dairy: Plain yoghurt and cheese supply calcium and probiotics, benefiting bone health and digestion.

    Balancing your dog's diet with both high-quality dog food and these natural sources can contribute to their overall well-being, reducing the need for excessive reliance on supplements. Always consult with your veterinarian to tailor your dog's nutritional plan based on their specific needs.


    Importance of vitamins and minerals

    Vitamins and minerals are indispensable for a dog's overall health, playing pivotal roles in various physiological processes. These micronutrients act as catalysts for enzymatic reactions, supporting metabolism, growth, and energy production. Calcium and phosphorus, for instance, are crucial for bone health, ensuring proper skeletal development and strength. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood, while zinc promotes skin health and wound healing. These micronutrients collectively contribute to the maintenance of a dog's immune system, vision, and cardiovascular health. Recognising the importance of vitamins and minerals underscores the significance of a well-rounded and nutritionally balanced diet, supplemented as needed, to meet the unique requirements of individual dogs.
     

    The incorporation of vitamins and minerals into a dog's diet through supplements or nutrient-rich foods is a proactive approach to ensuring their overall well-being. While high-quality dog food serves as a foundation, targeted supplementation can address specific needs and contribute to a dog's vitality at different life stages. Consulting with a veterinarian is paramount, as they can provide tailored recommendations based on a dog's health profile. By understanding the benefits and importance of these micronutrients, pet parents can take informed steps to optimise their canine’s nutrition with the best dog multivitamins, supporting a happy, healthy, and thriving life for their furry friends.

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