Animal Health Care

The issue of animal health care usually gets glossed over by those who are passionate about the topic, as it is typically associated with people who are in the food industry. However, those who work in animal health care do far more than simply take care of animals. They work to improve the quality of lives for all animals, and to improve the conditions of confinement that the animals live in. These people work with veterinarians and other specialists to implement scientific approaches to animal health care, along with keeping track of the best practices from a holistic standpoint.

One way that animal health care can improve the quality of life for animals is through its implementation in the food supply. Some animal owners, for example, feel that animal foods such as milk and meat are inherently nutritionally poor. This is often because animal owners have traditionally raised their animals in fenced in pens and boxes. However, science has demonstrated that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, many conventional animal foods may actually be higher in fat and cholesterol than many alternatives, and have fewer nutrients overall.

By improving the nutritional value of the animal food that an owner serves, animal health care can have a large impact on the health of the animal. Along this same lines, by providing better space and nutritious feed to an animal, it is possible to reduce the probability of stress-related injuries or illness. Animal owners should be encouraged to provide more animal health care, but they should not be expected to do it alone. In fact, animal health care requires a whole suite of specialists, including veterinarians, nutritionists and others, in order to be successful. By forming a partnership with a team of specialists, an owner can ensure that their animal's care is taken care of effectively and that they are getting optimal nutritional value.

Veterinarians are perhaps the most well-known individuals associated with animal care. However, there are a number of veterinary care specialists who work solely with animals. Animal hospitals and clinics often employ veterinary care specialists as well. These specialists are responsible for administering vaccinations and disease tests, along with offering routine care, including cleaning, catheters and spaying or neutering the animals. Animal hospitals and clinics are also often the primary care providers for animals that are in need of specialized care, such as orthopedic surgery, neurological surgery, trauma or accident care and much more.

The role of a veterinarian is very complex. A veterinarian works to save animals' lives through diagnosis, treatment, research and prevention of diseases and ailments. Through education and information, a veterinarian helps animals make the transition from life to death.

Providing animal health care does not have to be expensive, especially when compared to traditional veterinary practices. By taking proactive steps to improve animal health care, owners can help ensure that they are able to provide animals with the best quality of life possible. The benefits of this are immediate and long term. Animals that receive the highest quality of animal health care live longer and more productive lives.