4 Questions To Ask At Your Pet's Next Vet Appointment
Posted on: 17 August 2018
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For most pets, seeing a vet for a wellness exam at least once a year is highly recommended. Not only does this annual appointment help you get a better idea of how your pet is doing in terms of overall health and wellness, but these visits also give you the opportunity to speak with a vet and bring up any questions or concerns you may have about your beloved pet's health.
At your pet's next wellness exam, consider taking the time to ask a few of these important questions if you vet doesn't bring them up him or herself.
Is My Pet Getting Enough Exercise?
Often times, indoor pets such as dogs and cats become obese due to a combination of overeating and a lack of physical activity. If your pet appears overweight or obese, or if you're just worried your pet isn't getting enough exercise, it's a good idea to bring this up with your vet. He or she will be able to tell you what an ideal weight would be for your pet's age and size, and they should be able to give you some suggestions for increasing your pet's physical activity as well.
What Are My Pet's Risk Factors?
Different pets have different risk factors for health problems; these can be based on your pet's age, breed, or even lifestyle. Ask your vet what types of health problems are most common in your pet's breed and age, as well as what types of tests and screenings can be performed to catch them early on.
What Type of Food Do You Recommend?
More than likely, your vet will ask you what type of food you feed your pet. Unless you ask for a recommendation directly, however, he or she might not provide you with any feedback on your pet's diet. Consider asking your vet for a recommendation based on your pet's dietary needs; your vet will be able to provide a handful of different options for you to choose from that can give you greater confidence in what you're feeding your pet.
What Is My Pet's Vaccination Schedule?
Finally, make sure you have an updated copy of your pet's vaccination schedule so you can be aware of which vaccines your pet will be due for and when. This can help you better prepare for future appointments and for the costs associated with having these vaccines administered.
Keep these questions in mind the next time you visit your veterinary clinic.