Well, it’s that time of the year again. Time to toss my dog coat in the back of the closet and hide those socks and dog boots my human insists I wear to protect my paws from the ice, snow and salt during our winter walks.
You know what else happens this time of year?
Annual Heartworm Test and Veterinary Check Up
Heartworm testing is just one of my regular veterinarian visits throughout the year. Each vet visit is an opportunity for me to get checked out, step on the scale, ask any questions, and bring up any concerns I may have about my health, with my vet.
That stethoscope was a little bit chilly – I’ll have to remind them to warm it up next time 😉
Now I won’t lie, having blood taken is not at the top of my list of favourite things to do. But my humom tells me having a small amount of blood taken by my vet tech, while not the most pleasant for me, only takes a minute and is a very important part of continuing to be a healthy pet.
My vet technicians are very gentle while taking my blood for testing
My blood sample will be sent away for testing to make sure I am healthy and there is no indication of heartworms. As well, my sample will be checked for any indication of Lyme disease that can be transmitted by those nasty ticks.
Once I get the call from my veterinarian that all is well with my blood work, my humom can begin my heartworm and tick preventative medication.
Getting a little cuddle and reassurance from my vet technician after my test
Other than having a needle poke me, my vet visit went very well. My veterinarian said my weight is great and I’m looking fit and healthy, which makes me and my humom very happy!
Of course it’s important to end any veterinary visit on a positive note: Enjoying one of my favourite treats from the jar my vet keeps in the waiting room 🙂
For more information about regular pet health checkups, pet care and pet safety tips, The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) has a wonderful and resourceful site to assist current pet owners or those considering pet ownership in the future.
For some, necessary and emergency veterinary care for their pets can be a financial hardship, but with the help of organizations like The Farley Foundation, there is help. Speak with your veterinarian if you or someone you know, could benefit from funding from The Farley Foundation.
May 12, 2016
Mr. N is pretty good about getting his blood drawn. He’s more brave about needles than I am!
May 12, 2016
Maybe Mr. N can hold your paw the next time you need to have blood taken?
May 11, 2016
Two of girls love going to the vet, and getting test and poked isn’t so bad. . but Oakley. . well . . she tells everyone what she thinks!
May 12, 2016
BOL! Poor Oakley. Needles aren’t my favourite thing at the vet – well that and getting my nails trimmed 😉 But I do love all the attention I get from the vets and the techs and that makes up for it.
May 11, 2016
It’s time for Truffle’s annual checkup!
May 12, 2016
Hope everything goes well at Truffle’s checkup!
May 11, 2016
The Farley Foundation is awesome – we love that you included them in your post! We agree with routine vet visits, no matter if everything seems fine. Just like humans, animals need all of the preventative care as possible!
May 12, 2016
Regular vet check ups are very important to maintain a healthy pet!
May 11, 2016
Hooray for the Farley Foundation! I am always happy to find out about awesome organizations that help people and pets to stay healthy. Heartworm preventative is so important. I’m glad you got tested Edie. My dogs just had their test last week.
May 11, 2016
We’re glad you checked out good, Edie. We go to the vet at least once a year too.
May 11, 2016
We make sure and do our annual visit for all the pups here too. So very important. And, thank you for sharing about the Farley Foundation. I had never heard of them, but what an awesome organization!!
May 12, 2016
The Farley Foundation is an amazing organization!
May 11, 2016
We had it and what I love about my vet clinic is everything is online so I don’t paperwork, just log into my profile and find all 🙂
May 11, 2016
Great post, Goose is going to be getting is annual heart-worm test this year too.
May 12, 2016
I hope Goose gets to have a little treat after his test too!
May 11, 2016
I am glad to hear that your visit went very well. I hope your bloodwork comes back A-OK. It is very important to have these visits even if it does involve a stick of a needle.
May 12, 2016
I heard back from my vet and I’m happy to say all my blood work came back and I am a healthy pug!
May 11, 2016
Penny goes in for her first “real” annual this week. I’m looking forward to her developing that special bond with our vet that all of my dogs have, or had.
May 11, 2016
I wasn’t familiar with the Farley Foundation but I remember (and I loved!) the cartoon FOR BETTER OR WORSE and the hero dog Farley. What a great idea!
May 11, 2016
The Farley Foundation is a great organization that helps people and pets in need.