By preparing ahead of your dog or cat's veterinary appointment you can help make your visit go smoothly and ensure that you don't forget to ask any important questions. Our vets in Cumming share some of the most common questions to ask your vet and what to expect from your pet's routine exam.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Wellness Exam
When you bring your dog or cat into our veterinary clinic in Cumming for a checkup, your vet will review your pet's medical history and ask you about any specific concerns you might have.
Once you have finished discussing your concerns and medical history, your vet will begin a full examination of your pet.
- Listening to your pet's heart and lungs for any abnormal sounds
- Checking your animal's weight, stance, and gait and cross-referencing charts
- Inspecting your pet's eyes for signs of redness, cloudiness, eyelid issues, excessive tearing, or discharge
- Checking 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
- Inspecting the 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
- Checking 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
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.
Questions For Your Vet
There are many different aspects of preparing for your pet's veterinary visit, one of which is preparing the questions to ask vets prior to their appointment. By doing this you can help ensure that you cover everything regarding the health of your pet during their appointment.
Here are some of the questions that you should ask your vet during your pet's visit:
Will my pet need any vaccinations during this visit?
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 vet clinic in Cumming 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.
Should I be concerned about my pet's behavior?
Sometimes our pets will display bizarre behaviors that are unusual for them. Some of which might be signs of a veterinary concern such as biting, itching or scratching. Always keep track of these behaviors and consult with your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying condition. You should also tell your veterinarian when these behaviors occurred so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
Is my dog or cat at a healthy weight?
It can be difficult to tell if your pet is a good weight, every breed is built differently after all. Pets of all breeds and ages must adhere to specific weight guidelines to live healthy lives. Even a few extra pounds over or underweight can put your pet at risk for a variety of health problems (some of which are life-threatening), making this a critical question. If your cat or dog is overweight, your veterinarian will work with you to develop a diet and exercise plan to help your pet lose weight.
What parasite prevention do you recommend?
Fleas and ticks are bothersome for both pets and their owners, and they can spread serious diseases. With so many different products available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you and your pet. Luckily your vet will be able to help you navigate the world of parasite prevention and recommend brands and types that might work best for your pet.
What are each of the costs on my veterinary bill?
Don't ever hesitate to ask the vet questions about items on your bill once you receive it. To give you a better understanding of the services offered, your veterinarian will be able to break down the costs and explain what each fee represents. It can also help you plan your next visit.
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.