Always prepare for your pet's veterinary appointment by knowing precisely what questions you want to ask your vet. This preparation will guarantee that you obtain the necessary information to maintain your pet's happiness and health. Our Ypsilanti vets have compiled essential questions for your veterinarian.
Your Pet's Physical Checkup
When you bring your dog or cat to our Ypsilanti veterinary clinic for a routine checkup, your vet will review your pet's medical history and inquire about any specific concerns you might have.
Following these initial steps, your veterinarian will conduct a physical checkup of your pet, typically encompassing one or more 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 aim to identify any signs of illness in your pet. Since our dogs and cats cannot communicate in pain, these tests and checks help determine your pet's overall well-being.
What Questions You Should Ask Your Vet
Being fully prepared for your veterinary appointment, including having your questions ready to ask your vet, makes the experience easier for you and your pet. Preparedness ensures you obtain all the necessary information to care for your cat or dog, keeping them happy and healthy.
In the following section, the veterinarians at our Ypsilanti animal clinic will outline essential questions you should have prepared to ask your vet and elaborate on their significance:
Is my pet up to date with their shots?
Vaccines are crucial in safeguarding your cat or dog's preventive healthcare. It would be best to keep them current to shield your pets from a broad spectrum of severe and potentially life-threatening illnesses and diseases. Our Ypsilanti veterinary clinic's professionals consistently strive to notify you when your pet requires booster shots. Nevertheless, it's advisable always to inquire, as this important task may occasionally be overlooked.
Is my pet's behavior normal?
Pets often perform peculiar actions that can frighten their owners, such as biting, wheezing, or itching. It is crucial to closely monitor these behaviors and promptly seek advice from your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying condition. Additionally, inform your veterinarian about these behavior occurrences to facilitate an accurate diagnosis.
Is my pet's weight healthy?
It can be challenging to determine whether your pet is overweight or underweight. All breeds and ages of pets must adhere to specific weight restrictions to ensure they lead long, healthy lives. This question holds utmost importance since even a slight deviation in weight, whether over or under, can expose your pet to various health issues, some of which can be life-threatening. Your veterinarian will collaborate with you to establish a diet and exercise plan to assist your cat or dog in shedding excess weight if they are overweight.
Do you recommend a specific flea or tick prevention product for my pet?
Both pets and their owners detest fleas and ticks for their annoyance and potential to carry dangerous diseases. With numerous options available, determining the best product for you and your pet can pose a challenge. Fortunately, your vet can recommend or prescribe a prevention product that will offer the highest effectiveness for your pet.
Can you explain my bill to me, please?
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.