10 Essential Questions You Should Ask The Vet During Annual Checkups & How To Prepare Your Visit
10 Essential Questions You Should Ask The Vet During Annual Checkups & How To Prepare Your Visit
Relieve Some Tension for You and Your Furry Friend
Annual checkups are a crucial part of health care, but it’s not always easy to know which questions to ask or what to bring with a smooth visit. We’ve broken down some essential questions and simple tips to make it easier for you and your fur baby!
1. “Do I Need to Change Their Diet?”
As animals age, they might need a change in nutrition. It’s worth asking your vet if you should invest in senior food or options that offer specific treatments—some brands target healthy muscles, cognitive function, or sensitive skin. Vets may also make suggestions for meals you can whip up at home.
2. “How Do Their Teeth Look?”
Oral hygiene plays an important role in overall health, so consult your vet about next steps if you notice any problems. They’ll likely recommend that you brush their teeth to maintain a proper routine, however, not every pet opens wide so easily! Luckily, dental treats and even certain people foods can help get the gunk out.
3. “Is My Pet Overweight?”
It’s a sensitive question, but thankfully our pets won’t get offended! Extra poundage in pets isn’t the same as people—it’s actually more dangerous. Remember: our pets are often much smaller than us, so added weight can cause all kinds of health problems. Speak with your vet about target weights and ensure you keep your furry friend within them.
4. “Are They Getting Enough Exercise?”
Exercise is more than target weights; proper stimulation keeps their brains working and can lengthen longevity. If your pets are still able-bodied, ask the vet how much exercise they should ideally get each day. If you can’t walk them, you can still engage in routines that stimulate their bodies and brains.
5. “Should I Visit More Often?”
Annual vets are necessary for every pet, but some require more time in the office. Ask if you should head there more often—some pets may need closer monitoring or one-on-one time to ensure they’re on the right track.
6. “What Conditions Should I Look Out For?”
If your fur baby’s aging, it’s time to ask about any upcoming conditions. We know it’s tough but asking the important questions ensures you and your pet have all the information you need to enrich their lives. Inquire about cognitive development, aging muscles, or potential supplements.
7. “Does My Pet Need Preventatives?”
Every pet owner knows about vaccines and tick season, but your pet may require additional treatment. Speak with your vet about any vitamins or supplements to help them thrive. For example, pets with food sensitivities or allergies could benefit from certain diets and medications.
8. “How is Their Behavior?”
Aging pets might show signs of cognitive decline—more vocalization, trouble sleeping, pacing, or staring into space could all signal trouble. Ask your vet about your pet’s behavior and see if there’s anything you can do to make them more comfortable. They may also recommend supplements or medications to curb symptoms.
9. “What Can I Do Better?”
Diligent pet owners follow strict appointment schedules, and that’s good! But pet care is more than just annual checkups. Ask your vet if there’s anything you can do to better enrich their lives at home. Can you make certain meals for them? Take them on more walks? Invest in special toys?
10. “Are They Showing Signs Common With Their Breed?”
Some breeds are prone to medical concerns, which warrants more attention at the vet. For example, popular breeds like Persian cats and Bernese mountain dogs are unfortunately susceptible to more health concerns than others. Do your research about potential issues and check with your vet the moment you notice any.
Now that we know some important questions to ask your vet, let’s explore a few ways you can keep your pet comfortable at the vet—and how to prepare for your visit.
1. Have a List of Food and/or Supplements
Vets will always ask about your pet’s diet, so come prepared with any foods they eat. That includes any people foods or supplements for protein, vitamins, or as simple treats. Though it seems arbitrary, we sometimes offer foods that do more harm than good!
2. Bring Toys for Anxious Pets
It’s rare to find a pet who enjoys the vet—despite all the snacks they get there! Do your furry friend some good and bring their favorite toy to keep them entertained. It also offers a little comfort in that scary office environment, which can help relax them when it’s thermometer time.
3. Record Videos for Any Questions
If a picture says a thousand words, imagine how many are said in videos! Not every ailment can be described in an email, so take videos of any strange behavior. Video gives vets far more information and helps them make suggestions.
4. Grab a Muzzle (if Necessary)
Reactive dogs might need a muzzle to prevent any snapping or excessive barking. If you notice that your dog struggles at the vet, get them comfortable with a muzzle outside the office so they don’t associate it with punishment. You can then slip it on before their appointment and save everyone the hassle.
5. List Any Irregularities
There’s no problem too small to not mention at the vet. Even if it’s benign, vets are there to answer any questions, so come prepared with pet irregularities or strange behavior. Try to mark down the date you noticed these things too so the vet has more information.
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6. Grab Treats for Encouragement
We all love a little positive reinforcement, especially our fur babies! Your vet likely has treats in their office, but you know what your pet likes best, so feel free to grab their favorite snack. That touch of familiarity can help keep them calm in such a stressful environment.
7. Bring Samples for Testing
Don’t forget stool samples if you need parasite testing! Most vets ask that you bring it in within 24 hours, so you have plenty of time to package it properly and bring it with you. Of course, you also likely have the option to drop it off early (if you’re willing to make two trips).
8. Have The Right Carrier
Pet carriers come with pros and cons—the good news is that you can easily transport smaller pets without hassle. The bad news is that animals are smart and often know exactly what the carrier means! It’s up to us to ensure they’re big enough, offer plenty of comfort, and support your pet’s weight.
9. Inform Vets of Any Recent Travel
Recent travel doesn’t always mean long-distance trips. Something as simple as new hiking paths can let your vet know whether pets came into contact with high-risk areas for parasites or ticks.
10. Bring Your Pet Insurance Card (if Necessary)
Not everyone can spring for pet insurance and that’s more than okay. However, if you invested in a plan, make sure you bring your card with you to every appointment. They’ll likely have your information in their system, but it’s helpful for everyone to carry it anyway.
