Anyone who has owned a pet, regardless of species, knows and understands that pets are much more than animals who simple share our homes. Animal companions truly become of the family, and therefore are an integral part of our lives. Finding the right veterinarian for your pets’ needs is an essential part of their health and well being, and can add years to their lives.

The average cat owning home in the United States spends an estimated $191 on veterinary appointments each year. Considering how critical regular check ups are for the health of your pet, this is a nominal fee. Additionally, many animal hospitals accept pet insurance, or offer flexible payment options for those who are uninsured.

Aside from routine physicals and check ups, veterinary offices offer a wide range of animal care services and preventative measures that can keep your animal companion in peak physical condition.

Pain relief for dogs, cats, and other animal companions is a concern for many pet owners and veterinarians alike. Conditions such as heartworm, rabies, and even fleas can cause pets pain and discomfort, but often progress slowly, and can be difficult to detect in their earliest stages. Heartworms can grow to nearly a foot inside an animal’s body, and can live between 5 to 7 years. Early symptoms of rabies include pain, fever, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, all of which can result in unusual behavior in your pet.

Veterinarians can give pet owners vital information regarding these conditions, and can alert them as to which signs and symptoms to watch for in order to detect these fatal illnesses in their earliest stages.

Advances in medical technology and healthcare has also proven beneficial to veterinary medicine. Laser therapy has become a popular treatment in pain relief for dogs, cats and other animals. Laser therapy works by gently introducing light and heat deep into the affected area in order to ease pain by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing process.

This causes the animal no pain, and treatments only take a few minutes. Laser therapy is commonly used after surgical procedures, as well as for chronic conditions such as arthritis. Pain relief for dogs and other pets is an important part of the healing process, and provides your pet with much needed comfort.

Pet owners can ensure their beloved animal companions live long, healthy and fulfilling lives through regular veterinary check ups. Your pet will thank you for it! See this link for more.