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 Oklahoma City vets have listed some sample questions that you should ask your veterinarian and explain why they are important.
Your Pet's Physical Checkup
Your veterinarian will review your pet's medical history when you bring your dog or cat into our Oklahoma City veterinary clinic for a checkup and inquire about any particular worries 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 designed to detect any signs of health problems in your pet. Because our dogs and cats cannot tell us when they are in pain, these tests and checks help to determine how your pet is feeling in general.
What Questions You Should Ask Your Vet
Being fully prepared, including having the questions you want to ask your vet ready to go, makes visiting the vet easier for both you and your pet. You can get the knowledge you require to take care of your cat or dog and keep them happy and healthy by having all of your veterinary questions prepared.
Below, the vets at our Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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?
Inexplicable behaviors by pets, like biting, wheezing, or itching, worry their owners. Always keep an eye out for these behaviors, and if you think there might be a problem, talk to your vet. Your veterinarian needs to know when these behaviors started so they can diagnose your pet properly.
Is my pet's weight healthy?
It can be difficult to tell if your pet is obese or underweight. To live a healthy life, pets of all breeds and ages must follow specific weight guidelines. Even a few extra pounds over or underweight can put your pet at risk for a variety of health issues (some of which are life-threatening), so this is an important question. If your cat or dog is overweight, your veterinarian will work with you to create a diet and exercise plan that will assist your pet in losing weight.
Is there a specific flea or tick prevention product you recommend for my pet?
Fleas and ticks are vexing for both pets and owners, and they can transmit serious diseases. It can be difficult to know which product is best for you and your pet with so many options. Fortunately, your veterinarian will be able to recommend or prescribe the best preventative product for your pet.
Can you explain my bill to me, please?
Please ask this question when your veterinarian hands you the bill. Your veterinarian will be able to break down the costs and explain what each fee represents to help you understand the services offered. It can also help you plan your next trip.
