It is always best to go into your pet's veterinary appointment prepared, knowing exactly what you want to ask your vet. This will ensure that you get the information you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. Our Simi Valley vets have listed some sample questions that you should ask your veterinarian and explain why they are important.
Your Pet's Physical Checkup
When you bring your dog or cat into our Simi Valley veterinary clinic for a checkup, your vet will review your pet's medical history and ask you about any specific concerns you might have.
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 access 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
All of these tests are intended to detect any signs of illness in your pet. Because our dogs and cats are unable to communicate when they are in pain, these tests and checks assist in determining how your pet is feeling in general.
Questions to Ask a Veterinarian
Veterinary appointments are always easier for you and your pet when you are fully prepared, which includes having all of your questions ready to ask your vet. Having your veterinary questions prepared allows you to obtain all of the information required to care for your cat or dog and keep them happy and healthy.
Below, the vets at our Simi Valley animal clinic explain some questions you should have ready to ask your vet and discuss why they are important:
Is my pet up to date with their shots?
Vaccines are a very important part of your cat or dog's preventative care. They have to 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 Simi Valley 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.
Is my pet's behavior normal?
Pets exhibit unusual behaviors that frighten their owners, such as biting, wheezing, or itching. Keep an eye on these behaviors and speak with your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying condition. You should also notify your veterinarian about any instances of these behaviors so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
Is my pet's weight healthy?
Identifying whether your pet is overweight or underweight can be difficult. To live a long and healthy life, pets of all breeds and ages must adhere to certain weight restrictions. This is an important question because even a few pounds overweight or underweight can put your pet at risk for a variety of health problems, some of which are life-threatening. If your cat or dog is overweight, your veterinarian will work with you to develop a diet and exercise plan to help them lose weight.
Is there a specific flea or tick prevention product you recommend for my pet?
Fleas and ticks irritate both pets and their owners, and they can transmit dangerous diseases. With so many products available, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for you and your pet. Fortunately, your veterinarian will be able to recommend or prescribe the most effective prevention product for your pet.
Can you explain my bill to me, please?
When your vet hands you the bill, please ask this question. To help you understand the services available, your veterinarian will be able to break down the costs and explain what each fee represents. It can also help you plan your next 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.