Whether you grew up with pups running around or always dreamed of having a pooch to call your own, there is no doubt canines have worked their way into our lives - and our hearts.

More than half of American households own at least one dog. If you're among them, you know that nothing is more comforting than coming home to a warm greeting, more invigorating than playing a spirited game of fetch, or more rewarding than having an always-ready hiking/walking/road trip buddy who will also curl up and binge-watch your current obsession with you.

They love us unconditionally, and they also trust us. Ensuring your dog visits the vet on a regular basis is one big way we can repay them. Routine veterinary care helps our furry friends live their best, and longest lives. Here's why.

Why Routine Vet Visits Matter

Raise your hand if you love going to your doctor to get your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked! We thought not! No one loves going to the doc for a routine exam, but we do it anyway. Why? Because we want to make sure we are in good health and that we catch any potential issues that could progress into bigger problems. Our health is on the line, after all.

It's the same for your dog. When they visit the vet on a regular basis, you give them the best chances of a long, healthy, and happy life. Don't skip this step! Many of us do - we get it, life gets busy. The American Veterinary Medical Association and American Animal Hospital Association report that vet visits are decreasing overall and the incidence of preventable diseases are increasing. It's no surprise: checkups, bloodwork, tests, vaccinations, and preventative treatments (e.g. flea and tick medicines) are essential in keeping our four-legged friends safe and well.

We know that it can be stressful to bring your dog to the vet. The Avery Creek Pet Hospital team prioritizes their comfort and convenience. We take every step possible to ensure they are calm; from soothing voices to a few healthy treats, our staff treats your pet as if they were their own.

During an exam, we take a full health history, discuss diet, exercise, and elimination patterns. We also examine your dog's coat and skin, eyes, ears, nose, face, mouth, teeth, lymph nodes, legs, abdomen, and thyroid, record vital signs, check weight, listen to the heart and lungs, evaluate muscle tone, and test for parasites (e.g. heartworm). We then develop a targeted plan that addresses your pet's specific needs.

This sounds like a lot - and it is! We want to be as thorough as possible so we do not let a preventable issue (e.g. gum disease) develop and create more extensive - and expensive problems.

How Regular Vet Visits Help You Have Peace of Mind

Regular veterinary visits are not just for the health and wellness of your dog. They are for your dog's parents - you!

• Regular visits help you determine how much exercise your dog needs
• You will better understand how far your pup can hike
• Your vet will help you identify why there have been changes in your dog's eating habits
• You will be able to help your aging dog manage pain or discomfort
• You remain better equipped to give your canine the best life possible

Regular veterinary visits help arm you with the knowledge of your dog you need to care for them the way you want. You get the peace of mind of knowing you are doing everything you can for your furry family member.

Schedule Your Dog's Routine Vet Visit Now!

Take a moment to schedule your dog's vet visit. We recommend annual visits for healthy dogs, biannual visits for senior dogs, and more frequent visits for those with health issues. We'll help you determine what's best for your pet. Let's keep them pups at heart! Schedule your dog's wellness visit today by contacting the team at today.