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Adopting A Shelter Pet? Why You Should Arrange For Veterinary Services

1 December 2021 by Sophie Knight

If you've decided to adopt a stray from a local RSPCA shelter, you've made a great choice. Shelter pets are in urgent need of loving, caring homes. Part of that care includes routine medical exams from a veterinarian. In fact, veterinary care should begin as soon as you adopt your furry companion. In most cases, the shelter will provide a basic exam before you take your new pet home. However, that exam usually isn't as comprehensive as it should be, which is why you should schedule an appointment with veterinary services. Here are four procedures that your new pet will undergo during its veterinary exam. 

Well-Pet Exam

Now that you've adopted a shelter pet, you'll need to make sure that they're healthy. The first thing the veterinarian will do is provide a well-pet exam. During the initial exam, the veterinarian will check your pets ears, eyes, nose and mouth. They'll be checking for signs of illness or disease. For instance, during the ear exam, the vet will look for discharge and for signs of ear mites. During the mouth exam, the vet will check for signs of gum disease and tooth decay. They'll also make sure that your new pet is current on all of their vaccinations. 

Identify Parasites

If you've adopted a pet from a local shelter, they'll need to be checked for parasites. You might not realise this, but there could be several different parasites living inside your pets, especially in their fecal matter. Some of those parasites include roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms. Their fecal matter could also contain the protozoa that cause toxoplasmosis. To identify those parasites, the veterinarian will collect a stool sample from your pet. 

Test for Heartworms

When it comes to pet healthcare, you probably know that dogs can carry heartworms. However, you might not know that cats can carry heartworms as well. That's why the veterinarian will test both cats and dogs for heartworms. Heartworm disease can be fatal for your pet, which is why testing is so important. If your pet does test positive for heartworm disease, treatment will begin immediately. However, if your pet tests negative for the disease, your veterinarian will start preventative treatments. These treatments are designed to protect your pet against the disease. 

Screen for Other Diseases

Finally, if you've adopted a pet from a local shelter, you'll also need to make sure that they don't have any other diseases. As part of the veterinary services your pet receives, the veterinarian will test for diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease. When you're pet goes home, you'll know that they have a clean bill of health. 

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