It's important to be well-prepared for your pet's veterinary appointment by knowing the specific questions you want to ask the vet. Our Merced veterinary team shares some of the questions for vets that you should ask during your pet's routine exam.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Routine Wellness Exam
When you bring your dog or cat into our Merced veterinary clinic for a checkup, your vet will review your pet's medical history and ask about any specific concerns.
After these initial steps, your veterinarian will perform a physical checkup of your pet, which will usually include any or all of the following:
- Listening to your pet's heart and lungs
- Checking your animal's weight, stance, and gait
- Checking your pet's eyes for signs of redness, cloudiness, eyelid issues, excessive tearing, or discharge
- Inspecting the pet's coat for overall condition, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss
- Looking at your pet's feet and nails for damage or signs of more serious health concerns
- Looking at your pet's ears for signs of bacterial infection, ear mites, wax build-up, or polyps
- Examining the condition of your pet's teeth for any indications of periodontal disease, damage, or decay
- Examining your dog or cat's skin for a range of issues from dryness to parasites to lumps and bumps (particularly in skin folds)
- Palpate your pet's abdomen to assess whether the internal organs appear to be normal and to check for signs of discomfort
- Feeling along your pet's body (palpating) for any signs of illness such as swelling, evidence of lameness such as limited range of motion, and signs of pain
These tests are intended to detect any signs of illness in your pet. Because our dogs and cats cannot communicate when they are in pain, these tests and checks assist in determining how your pet is feeling in general. Next, we will go over what questions to ask a vet during your visit.
Questions to Ask Your Vet
Veterinary appointments are always easier for you and your pet when you are fully prepared, which includes having ready the questions you want to ask your vet. Preparing your veterinary questions allows you to obtain all the information you require to care for your cat or dog and keep them happy and healthy.
Below, the vets at our Merced animal clinic explain some questions to aks a vet and discuss why they are important:
Will my cat or dog need any routine vaccinations?
Vaccines are crucial to your cat or dog's preventative care. They must be kept up to date to help protect them from a wide range of serious and often life-threatening illnesses and diseases. The vets at our Merced vet clinic always do their best to inform you when your pet is due for their booster shots. However, it can sometimes be overlooked, so it's always best to ask.
Are there any dental concerns regarding my pet's teeth?
Dental care is crucial for pets because it helps prevent dental disease, which can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Regular brushing, dental exams, and professional cleanings can also help maintain overall health by preventing bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing more serious health issues.
Should I be concerned about my pet's behavior?
Pets do peculiar things that frighten their owners, such as biting, wheezing, or itching. Monitor these behaviors closely and consult your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying condition. You should also inform your veterinarian about the occurrences of these behaviors so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
Is my pet a healthy weight?
Determining whether your pet is overweight or underweight can be challenging. All breeds and ages of pets must follow certain weight restrictions to live long, healthy lives. This is a crucial question because even a few extra pounds over or underweight can put your pet at risk for several health issues, some of which are life-threatening. Your veterinarian will work with you to create a diet and exercise plan to help your cat or dog lose weight if they are overweight.
What parasite prevention should my pet have?
Both pets and their owners find fleas and ticks annoying, and they can also carry dangerous diseases. Knowing which product is best for you and your pet can be challenging with so many options available. Thankfully, your vet can suggest or prescribe a prevention product that will be most effective for your pet.
Is my pet active enough, or should they get more exercise?
Asking a vet if your pet is getting enough exercise is important because they can provide expert advice on the specific exercise needs of your pet based on their breed, age, and overall health. Vets can also help identify any underlying health issues affecting your pet's ability to exercise properly, ensuring they stay healthy and happy for years.
What diagnostic tests should my cat or dog have?
It is important to consult with a vet before deciding on any diagnostic tests for your pet because they have the expertise to recommend the most appropriate tests based on your pet's symptoms and medical history. Vets can also interpret the results accurately and provide guidance on the next steps in your pet's treatment plan, ensuring they receive the best care possible.
Can you break down my bill for me?
Please ask this query when your veterinarian hands you the bill. Your veterinarian will be able to break down the costs and explain what each fee entails to give you a clearer idea of the services being provided. It can assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.