Whether you adopted your dog or bought it from a breeder, you likely consider it an important member of your family. As such, you want to do everything you can to ensure your dog's health and well-being. Besides feeding your furry family member a nutritious diet and taking it on regular walks, you should make routine vet care a priority.

Here are a few common vet services for dogs that you should know about.

Vaccinations

Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to various infectious diseases. That is why you should vaccinate your dog against several illnesses, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Vaccinations can fight against these infections and prevent your furry family member from getting seriously ill. Your veterinarian can advise you on how often to vaccinate your dog.

Spaying and Neutering

Unless you plan to breed your dog, you should think about spaying or neutering it. Besides preventing unwanted litters, spaying or neutering can prevent serious illnesses, like mammary cancer and testicular cancer. The surgical procedure can also improve your pet's behavior. For example, if you have a male dog, neutering can prevent urine marking and roaming.

Wellness Exam

It is a good idea to schedule a wellness exam for your dog once a year. During this exam, a veterinarian will check your dog's weight, listen to your dog's heart and lungs, assess your dog's coat, and look at your dog's teeth. The veterinarian may recommend additional testing if necessary and make various recommendations.

Dental Cleaning

To keep your dog's oral health in top shape, be sure to brush its teeth and provide healthy food. If your dog develops tooth decay, it may be necessary to schedule a professional dental cleaning at the veterinarian's office to prevent the decay from getting worse. Dogs typically have to be put under general anesthesia for these cleanings.

Grooming

Regular grooming is also important for your dog. Grooming services at your vet's office might include bathing, ear cleaning, dematting, nail clipping, and shaving. A veterinarian can tailor these services to meet your furry family member's unique needs. For instance, if your dog has long hair that tends to get tangled easily, your veterinarian may recommend dematting services.

As you can see, there are quite a few vet services available for dogs. If your furry family member requires any of these services, you should schedule a consultation with a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Contact a provider to learn more about available vet services.