Great Reasons to Keep Records of Your Pet’s Health

Some pet owners know the value of keeping good health records for their pets.  Others either don’t take the time or don’t realize how important it really is.  You really need to keep track of vaccinations, treatments, medications, check ups, and even any medical problems your pet has had.  If you don’t keep your pet’s health records, you’re about to find out why you should start.  There are so many benefits of keeping detailed records of your pet’s health.  Here are just a few of them.

• Emergencies- While no one wants to think that they’ll ever have to rush their pet in for an emergency, it does happen.  Keeping records of your pet’s medical history, what vaccinations they’ve had and when, what medications you’re currently giving them, and any allergies they have can really help the vet out.  This is especially true if the emergency vet is not your regular vet.  This can not only save a lot of time, but it may also save your pet’s life.

• Health problems- One of the reasons you should keep records is to keep track of any health problems your pet has, any medications that they’re on, and any allergies they might have.  This can be helpful to have if you ever have to let someone take care of your pet for you.  Instead of trying to remember everything in your head, you’ll have it all down on paper.  If they need to know what medication to give your pet and when, all they’ll have to do is look at the records.  This leaves much less room for mistakes.

• Medical history- While you may not think that you’ll ever have to find your pet a new home, you do need to be prepared just in case.  Keeping a good medical history on your pet is great not just for you, but for any potential new owners.  This keeps them from having to get your pet revaccinated because they don’t know what the vaccinations the pet has had.  It will also help them take better care of the pet, since they’ll be fully aware of any medical conditions and how to treat them effectively.

• Schedule reminders- Another great reason to keep pet health records is so that you never forget to get your pet vaccinated at the right time.  The records can also remind you when it’s time to give your pet flea and tick prevention and heartworm prevention, along with any other scheduled medication.  You can also write in when your pet needs to go for their next vet check up.  This is much easier than trying to remember all of these dates off of the top of your head.

These are just some of the benefits of keeping good pet health records.  There are actually a couple of ways you can keep track of them.  There are logs you can buy that will allow you to write all of the information yourself.  Of course, you can always create your own log as well.  If you don’t like the idea of keeping track of papers, there are several websites online that let you keep track of your pet’s records electronically.  This can be a great way to keep the health records, so that you have access to them wherever you are.