For most of us, our fur babies are like members of the family. You probably wouldn't let your beloved family members go without regular doctor check-ups; likewise, you shouldn't let your cat or dog go without an annual exam.
Are you wondering if maybe you can skip it—just this year? Or maybe for a few months? After all, your pet seems just fine and you've been busy these days.
Before you make that decision, consider why an annual exam is so important for your pet.
Time Is of The Essence
You may be tempted to put off your own annual physical once in a while, but just for a year. Would you put it off for seven years? Probably not—that's why you have to remember there are roughly seven 'dog years' in one human year. That goes for cats, too!
Because dogs and cats have a significantly shorter lifespan than humans do, a year is a much longer time for them (relatively speaking).
They're Good at Hiding Things
Cats and dogs will communicate a lot of things to you—they will communicate when they want food, when they want to play, when they want to cuddle, or when they are agitated. One thing they're not always good at communicating is that they don't feel well.
When cats and dogs are sick, especially in the early stages of an illness, the signs may be subtle and you can go for a while without noticing.
The Value of Early Detection
Some certain illnesses and injuries can get quite serious, even if your cat or dog is not particularly old yet. Annual exams can sometimes pick up on problems so early that your pet isn't even experiencing any symptoms yet.
Early detection can be essential in nipping some health concerns in the bud so that they don't turn into a full-blown crises.
An Ounce of Prevention
As the old saying goes—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Getting your pets checked out, making sure they are maintaining their weight, that their teeth are in good shape, that they're on target with vaccinations and preventative medications, etc., is the best way to keep your pet's health on track. It can save your pet a lot of suffering, save you a lot of worrying, and (in the long run) save you a lot of money.
Let Us Help Keep Your Pet Healthy
The Animal Doctors of the San Francisco Bay area have been serving their community with commitment and compassion for 40 years. Our greatest pride is that our practice has been thriving due to satisfied patients and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Since 1987, we have been accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Only 15% of veterinarians in the United States have this accreditation, which we have maintained by following the highest standards of cleanliness, professionalism, patient care, and quality of veterinary medicine.
Our primary care services offer anything your cat or dog may require, from the time they are newborn puppies and kittens up through to geriatric care. We offer annual exams, vaccinations, in-depth diagnostic procedures, on-site laboratory testing, surgery, laser therapy, endoscopy, and dental care. We also offer counseling and services to help with hospice, and end-of-life decisions and procedures.
If you are looking for veterinary care, call for an appointment. Our areas of coverage include the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
