Adopting a pet into your family opens the door for an endless amount of rewarding experiences, but it also comes with a lot of questions. Whether you’re a first-time or experienced pet owner, the staff at Woodworth Animal Hospital in Waynesboro, VA, understands that questions will arise. To help, they want to answer several FAQs they receive at their animal clinic. This will ensure that you’re caring for your pet properly and also providing them with the veterinary care they need.

4 Pet FAQs

1. How Often Should I See the Veterinarian?

Regular visits to a veterinarian are essential for your pet, and the frequency of appointments depends on their age. Puppies or kittens will need vaccines every few weeks after they’re born, and your veterinarian will want to keep track of their development, so follow their preferred schedule. After one year, an annual checkup is typically all that’s required. Once your pet is seven years old, you should visit an animal clinic twice a year.

2. Does My Pet Need Vaccinations?

All pets need at least the core vaccinations: parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and rabies. These diseases are extremely dangerous to both pets and humans. There are also secondary vaccines that are highly recommended to keep them and other pets healthy.

3. Should I Spay/Neuter?

Overpopulation is a huge problem with pets, which is why spaying and neutering are recommended. Aside from making your pet sterile, it offers benefits that include reduced risk of genital and breast cancer, prevention of uterine infections, and less aggression in males. It should be done around six months of age at an animal clinic.

4. What Should I Feed My Pet?

For the most part, pets have very similar diets, and your veterinarian can recommend preferred food brands based on their age. However, you need to monitor for any allergies, as your pet may have specific dietary needs. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and other unexplained symptoms, visit an animal hospital to have them checked for food allergies.

The staff at Woodworth Animal Hospital is committed to helping pets and owners maintain a healthy relationship through their animal clinic’s services. They can address a number of health care needs and will work with you to ensure you’re keeping your pet happy and healthy. Call (540) 942-5163 today to schedule an appointment and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their animal clinic.