Questions to Ask Your Vet During Your Pet’s Next Wellness Visit

Wellness visits play a critical role in preventing diseases, maintaining optimal health, and addressing potential issues early on. They help ensure that your pet leads a healthy and happy life, while also fostering a strong bond between you, your pet, and your veterinarian. It’s important to use your time with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is on track to live a long, healthy life.

Diet

Is my pet a healthy weight? If not, what can I do to help them maintain a healthy weight?

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for the overall well-being and quality of your pet’s life. Overweight pets can suffer from joint pain, low energy, and many more health problems. To keep your pet at a healthy weight, make sure they have proper nutrition and regular exercise.

What can I do to help my pet gain/lose weight?

If your pet is underweight or overweight, your veterinarian will have recommendations to help them gain or lose weight. Your pet’s weight may be a result of another disease or illness, such as Cushing’s disease or a parasitic infestation.

What pet food do you recommend?

Ask your veterinarian about what high-quality, nutritious food they recommend.

My pet will not eat their food. What can I do?

If your pet is not eating their food, consult your veterinarian. This can be a sign of more serious health concerns.

Behavior

What could be causing my pets change in behavior?

Pets can be very good at hiding pain and discomfort. If you notice any behavioral changes, mention them to your veterinarian for further evaluation.

What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate an underlying health problem?

Some breeds of dogs and cats are predisposed to developing certain medical concerns. Based on your pet’s history and breed, your veterinarian can help determine risk factors and warn of behaviors to look out for.

Oral Health

Does my pet really need routine dental cleanings?

Your veterinarian should thoroughly evaluate your pet’s mouth and determine whether or not they need a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT). Pet parents should regularly brush their pet’s teeth at home to prevent the build-up of plaque and the development of dental diseases.

Routine + Preventative Care

Is my pet due for any vaccines?

Vaccines prevent life-threatening diseases. Make sure to ask your veterinarian if your pet is up-to-date on their core vaccines and what additional vaccines they recommend for your pet’s lifestyle.

Are there any additional tests or screenings that should be considered for my pet’s well-being? Are there any tests or upcoming services my pet might need in the coming months?

Depending on your pet’s age, symptoms, and health status, your veterinarian may have recommendations for additional tests in screenings.

What flea/tick preventative medication do you recommend for my pet?

Ask what flea/tick medicine your vet recommends, even if they already are on one. If your pet is on prescription medications, now is the time to ask for a refill if needed.

Costs/Billing

Feel free to ask about costs and billing

At Anicira, we provide complete transparency with the costs of our services and medications. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to discuss them with our team members. We also offer financial assistance and payment plans to help pets in need.

Conclusion

When caring for your pet, there can be an overwhelming amount of things to consider. The best way to keep your pet healthy is to ask questions and communicate with your veterinarian.