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    3. I will take my pet for an annual checkup.

    My years working as an emergency room veterinarian taught me one important lesson: If owners brought their animals in for more regular exams and did so sooner, they would not only avoid many expensive visits to the emergency clinic but also save their pets from needless suffering. Chronic kidney failure, hyper-thyroidism, and diabetes are three common conditions all marked by symptoms that are easy to dismiss but quickly noted by vets, such as excessive drinking, urinating and weight loss.

    RELATED: The Natural Way to Pet Wellness

    Waiting until a pet's symptoms are noticeable or unbearable often makes them difficult or impossible to treat. A simple checkup and routine blood work could prevent many fatal cases. Your pet should also see the veterinarian twice a year for an oral exam--dental disease can lead to deadly organ infections. Remember: The sooner your vet diagnoses and treats potential problems, the better the prognosis.