On even the worst day, a dog can bring so much joy to our lives! In return, one of the best gifts we can give them is their health. That said, despite my dog’s droopy eyed please don’t take me to the vet look, I never give in to the dreaded annual checkup. If he was a human I’d do it, and at the end of the day he deserves the same care as any other member of the family (which he most certainly is!).

My Dog Loves the Vet

 
Okay, that’s a joke. Between me and my dog I’m actually not sure who hates going to the vet more. Yes, he’s the one being checked out, but I have to endure his temporary insanity as he whines and barks the entire trip there. It’s mystifying how he always knows exactly where we’re headed. Once there, all leash training goes out the window, his nervous excitement taking over as he jumps about like a lunatic. But, hey, at least I get the satisfaction of knowing he has gotten the care he needs.

Why Does My Dog Need an Annual Checkup?

 
Your vet will conduct a wellness exam as well as administer any necessary vaccinations. A well-check is a good way to detect any problems before they become serious, and prevention is key to saving you money in the long run. This is also a good time to pick up your dog’s heartworm medication. Heartworm is very difficult and costly to treat, but thankfully extremely simple to prevent through a prescription medication.

Our Pets Keep Us Healthy Too!

 
Owning a dog can play a significant role in our everyday health! It is a proven fact that petting a dog can lower your blood pressure. Walking them can improve your cardiovascular health. Dogs also possess the ability to reduce stress and anxiety, decrease depression, and cure loneliness. Some dogs can even sniff out cancer and have been documented as acting out with unusual behaviors, therefore alerting their owners of such.

I admit, I sometimes prefer the company of my furry companion who loves me unconditionally, to a person who requires oh so much more. A quote from the wise writer Roger Caras reads, “Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made”. In my eyes this speaks absolute truth!