When you have a chronic health condition, your doctor recommends you take prescribed medications to keep your symptoms at bay, right? Well, the same can be said of dogs with chronic health conditions — but do they need to see their vet frequently to get the care they need?
There are many advantages to choosing an experienced veterinarian who treats dogs at home instead of an animal clinic, from reduced stress and anxiety for your pet to more affordable costs and better communication with the vet team.
In this article, we will learn more about how vets for dogs can help you provide holistic care for your pet, treat chronic health conditions for dogs, and how in-home veterinary care can benefit dogs with chronic health conditions.
What are chronic health conditions?
A chronic health condition is a long-term disease or injury in dogs or other animals.
These conditions are typically not wholly curable—but they can be treated in ways that ease symptoms and reduce discomfort for your furry friend.
Tumors and arthritis are two common chronic conditions for dogs; heartworms are another example.
Treating chronic health conditions for dogs at home
A dog’s health, just like a person’s health, can be affected by chronic health conditions. Sometimes it is not feasible for owners to take their dogs to the veterinarian whenever their pets need treatment and medication.
For those unable to visit vets for dogs regularly, it is essential to understand what situations might require in-home veterinary care.
Following your vet’s instructions when treating chronic conditions at home is vital. If you feel uncomfortable administering certain medications or treatments at home, do not hesitate to contact your vet for help.
As long as you have followed your vet’s instructions and administered medications correctly, there should be no cause for concern about administering them at home.
Why choose in-home veterinary care?
In-home veterinary care can benefit your dog in several ways. It gives you greater control over their treatment, especially if they suffer from chronic health issues that need ongoing management.
You’ll also be able to monitor them more closely, which reduces their stress levels and ensures your vet has all the information they need to make an accurate diagnosis. This way, any changes or new symptoms are noticed as soon as possible.
And finally, it allows you to save money on transportation costs and vet bills by managing their health at home. In-home care is essential for your pet’s well-being if you live in a rural area or far away from vets.
Some common symptoms that suggest your pet might benefit from in-home veterinary care include diabetes, arthritis, back pain, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease.
Consult your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s health issues and see if in-home care might help. You can also talk to other dog owners who’ve had similar experiences to find out how well it worked for them.
Final thoughts on in-home veterinary care
As a pet parent, you want nothing more than to ensure that your furry friend is healthy and happy. While there are countless ways to do so, ensuring a good relationship with your veterinarian is an excellent first step toward keeping your dog in good health.
You’ll be able to ask questions about treatment options and learn how to recognize when something isn’t right—and then, together, you can devise a plan of action.