If your furry friend is scheduled for a routine checkup, you might be curious about what to anticipate and how to prepare. To maximize the benefits of your pet's appointment, consider asking your veterinarian these crucial questions, recommended by our vets at Goleta.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Routine Checkup
When you bring your dog or cat into our Goleta veterinary clinic for a checkup, your vet will review your pet's medical history and ask you about any specific concerns you might have.
Once the initial procedures are completed, your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination of your pet, which typically covers one or more of the following tasks:
- Listening to your pet's heart and lungs
- Checking your animal's weight, stance, and gait
- 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
- 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
- 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 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.
Common Questions That You Can Ask Your Vet
It's always easier for both you and your pet to attend a veterinary appointment when you're fully prepared. This means having your questions ready to go beforehand. Preparation ensures you get all the information you need to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Below, the vets at our Goleta animal clinic provide some questions they feel are important for pet parents to ask:
Is my pet in need of any routine vaccinations?
Vaccines are a very important part of your cat or dog's preventative care. They must 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 Goleta 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.
Are there any concerns with my pet's behavior?
As a pet owner, you may notice some strange behaviors from your furry friend, such as biting, wheezing, or itching. It's important to keep track of these behaviors and consult with your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying condition. Make sure to inform your veterinarian of when these behaviors occurred so they can make an accurate diagnosis and provide proper treatment for your pet.
Do you have any recommendations for my pet's diet and nutrition?
Determining whether your pet is overweight or underweight can be challenging. All pets, regardless of breed or age, must follow specific weight guidelines to maintain good health. Even a slight weight gain or loss can expose your pet to various health issues, some of which may be fatal. Therefore, it is crucial to address this question. If your cat or dog is overweight, your veterinarian will collaborate with you to create a diet and workout regimen to help your pet shed some pounds.
What prevention medication should my pet have?
Fleas and ticks are not only bothersome for both pets and their owners, but they also spread a number of serious diseases. With so many different products available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you and your pet. Fortunately, your veterinarian will be able to recommend or prescribe a prevention product that will work best for your pet.
Can you explain the items on my bill, please?
If you're unsure about the charges listed on the bill given to you by the staff at your veterinary office, feel free to ask for clarification. Your veterinarian can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the fees and explain the nature of each cost. This can help you better understand the services offered and plan for future visits.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.