If you have just purchased a pet bird, your first step should be visiting the veterinarian. The vet can determine if your new pet is healthy. Many vets have diagnosed birds with contagious diseases after exposure to other birds at pet stores or bird shows.
If you have a pet bird, you need to ensure that you take care of its health. Regular visits to the vet for physical examination will help protect your pet from illness.
Vet Care For Your Pet Bird
If you are a new bird owner, you need to understand the importance of taking your pet to the vet. It is vital to realize that birds will often mask signs of illness until the disease is far advanced.
If you notice even the slightest change in behavior, physical condition, or attitude, contact a vet. If your pet bird has been exposed to other birds, it is important to visit the vet for examination. Apart from providing medical care, veterinarians also help with bird identification and grooming.
Finding The Right Veterinarian
If you have a pet bird, it is necessary to find the right vet. Find an avian board-certified veterinarian in your location. This is a veterinarian who has the relevant training and special knowledge on birds. They should have dedication in the field and have enough knowledge of different pet birds.
You can get a recommendation from a pet store, friend, or even the local animal shelter. You can also use online resources to locate an avian practice near you. Finding a vet with the relevant certification will help ensure that your bird is safe.
Annual Physical Examination
Your pet bird needs to get a regular physical examination. Annual physical examinations help in the detection of different disorders. When going to the vet, you should carry the bird in its cage if possible.
The vet can detect some disorders by examining the cage. Loose perches, galvanized wires, and sexual or territorial behavior can help in forming a diagnosis. The vet will ask about the bird’s health history, environment, diet, and exposure to other animals.
Benefits Of Wellness Examinations
Regular wellness examinations will help in the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. During the exam, the vet will carry out bloodwork to detect signs of hidden illness. This will help in early detection before a disease has progressed.
Treatment is often most successful when diagnosed early. You can get a bird care package to ensure that your bird gets premium vet care. The package allows your bird to get annual examinations and emergency care.
Emergency Vet Visit
Some signs can indicate that an emergency trip to the vet is necessary. Some signs to look out for include weakness, bleeding, discharge from the mouth, nose, eyes, and ears, and loss of appetite.
Other signs are fluffed or ruffled look, tail bobbing, labored breathing, sleeping a lot, and squinting or closing the eyes. Look out for malodorous or loose droppings, caked or matted vent, blood in droppings, and a change in urine color.
To know if your pet bird needs veterinary care, visit Country Veterinary Clinic, Inc. at our office in Live Oak, California. You can call (530) 491-4500 today to schedule an appointment.
