If you ask anyone with a pet how important their pet is to them, there’s a very high likelihood that they will tell you they don’t just own a pet that sometimes entertains them. Pets very quickly become family members. They are the next most important thing after the actual human members of the family. Knowing where to find urgent pet care in order to keep pets in peak health and physical condition is a top priority for pet parents. Finding a convenient veterinarian for regular veterinary services and checkups is necessary if you want your pet to live as long as possible.

Why know about urgent pet care?
Aside from the emergencies or accidents requiring urgent pet care that could happen at any time, such as getting hit by a car or ingesting chocolate or something non-edible, there are procedures and vaccinations that pet parents should ensure that their pets have been through, especially if your pet is very young. Pets should be spayed or neutered, and not just as a preventative measure against unwanted litters. Neutering your male pet, if done while the male dog or cat is six months old or younger, can prevent testicular cancer as well. And spaying a female cat or dog can help prevent uterine infections as well as breast cancer, a condition that ends fatally for around 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Older pets need regular checkups too, as veterinarians advise that adult animals should have one every year if they are between the ages of one to about 10 years old. Sadly, many people don’t realize how important these types of visits are, as evidenced by the 18.7% of pet owners who didn’t take their dogs to see a veterinarian in 2011.

Benefits of healthy pets
When your pet is healthy and happy, it improves your chances of being happy and healthy. Keeping up with a pet often keeps people more in shape, and having a pet at a young age improves a child’s chance of not developing pet-related allergies. People also often see pets as consistent and loyal companions, dispelling depression and loneliness. Having a healthy pet also just might find you your special someone. About six of every 10 men feel that a lot can be said about their date’s personality based on their choice in pets. And around 35% of women have admitted to being more attracted to someone after finding out about their pet.

Fido or Spot or Mittens will always have a special place in your heart. Make sure that you make the most of the time that you have with your furry friend by keeping them healthy and staying in touch with a veterinarian who you trust.