If your pet ran away and they've recently returned, now's the time to visit an animal care hospital. If your pet looks healthy, you might think that you can avoid the trip to the animal care hospital, but that's not the case. You never know what could have happened to your pet while they were surviving on their own. Because of that, it's important to provide them with a thorough medical checkup. If you're still not sure that your pet needs a medical checkup after being gone, read the list provided below. Here are just four of the reasons your pet needs a visit to the vet. 

Assess Their Health

If your pet has been on their own, you need to make sure that they're in good health. While they were away, they could have been exposed to diseases that could jeopardize their health. Not only that, but they might not have been eating as well as they should. That means they might be malnourished or dehydrated. To make sure your pet is healthy after being on their own, schedule a checkup with their veterinarian. 

Check for Injuries

If your pet has been lost and they don't seem to be moving as well as they did before, they could be hiding some injuries. It's not uncommon for pets to sustain injuries while they're out on their own. Some of those injuries can involve fights with other animals or accidents involving vehicles. Pets can also sustain foot injuries, especially if they've walked long distances, or been on their own during extreme weather conditions. One way to identify injuries is to take your pet for an emergency checkup at a local animal care hospital. If any injuries are located, the veterinarian can begin immediate treatment for your pet. 

Get Rid of Fleas

If your pet ran away from home and has been gone for a long time, chances are good that they're infested with fleas. If that's the case, it's time to take your pet in for a checkup. Animal care hospitals can provide treatment for flea infestations. They can also provide care for any skin conditions your pet might have developed while they were away from home. 

Alleviate Stress

Finally, if your pet has returned home after running away, they may be experiencing some emotional trauma or stress. To make sure your pet recovers from the trauma, it's important that they receive treatment from an animal care hospital. Your pet might require medication while they recover from the stress and anxiety.

If you're worried about your pet, make an appointment at an animal care hospital near you.