It is estimated that 92% of dogs and cats will experience an emergency during their lifetime. Do you know who to go to for help should the worst happen to your pet?

Veterinarians are the experts, but there is so much pet parents can do as a team with their Vets for the health and well-being of their pets! If your dog or cat is relatively healthy, he will probably only visit the Veterinarian once a year; however our pets age much more quickly than we do, and although there is an actual formula, we round it off to say that every calendar year that passes equals seven years in your canine or feline’s life. What that translates to is that your pet’s annual veterinary visits actually occur seven years apart in the lifespan of your pet!

A lot of changes can happen in seven years, so it’s important that you become your pet’s eyes and ears in between those visits and tune in to know when he might need additional care. Learn to do a Head-to-Tail Check-up of your pet and do it weekly to catch a small problem before it becomes a nightmare.

How to Select your Veterinarian

In addition to your diligent attention, your pet needs the care of qualified experts such as your Veterinarian. Make sure your medical professional’s qualifications are stellar but also be sure he or she is someone you feel you can talk to freely about your pet’s condition and receive answers that are easily understood; someone who has a general concern for your pet and whose office isn’t so busy that it takes days to get an appointment; an individual who not only is competent but who also has a good bedside manner.

Ask friends if they like their Vet and then also take into consideration the obvious…Is the office clean? Are there separate areas for dogs and cats so that your timid cat won’t be subjected to a room full of barking dogs? Is the front office staff helpful and friendly and do the stay on the job long term?

Locate Your Nearest Animal Emergency Center

It’s “Murphy’s Law”…emergencies happen when we’re home alone and after veterinary hours, so locate your nearest Animal Emergency Center before you need it. Some are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Others open at 6pm and close at 8am the next morning to fill that gap of time when your Veterinarian is closed. Regardless, find the one nearest to your home, your favorite park or hiking location and wherever your pet spends time, then…drive there. Writing down the address and phone number is not good enough. Make sure you know exactly where the office is located; where you park and what entrance you will bring you pet in (if you have a 100 lbs dog that can’t walk, this can be of major importance). Do your homework now so that you won’t be wondering whether your turn left or right or which side of the street the Animal ER is on when your dog or cat is in trouble.

How Will You Pay for Help?

Like everything else in life, the key to making sure your dog or cat lives a longer, happier, healthier life is for you to “Be Prepared.” Just about anything that can be done to aid a human these days can also be done for our four-legged friends.

There are doggie and kitty oncologists, cardiologists, opthamologists, dermatologists and so on. And each one comes with a price tag, so when your best friend is sick or injured, money shouldn’t be the deciding factor in whether or not you’re able to give him the best care. Check your options regarding Pet Insurance or set-up an Emergency Account that you contribute $10, $25 or whatever you can to each month to save up for such an occurrence. Just remember, this is not the account to raid when you see an awesome new stereo or great pair of shoes! This account is for your pet’s future.

Our dogs and cats love us unconditionally. It is only right that we are prepared and know where to go for help should they need it.

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