Questions for vets: Is My Dog Healthy? Questions to Ask the Vet

14.09.202323.06.2023 by alexxlab

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Is My Dog Healthy? Questions to Ask the Vet

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Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on August 11, 2022

Dog people know that their pooches are part of the family. And just like kids need checkups with their doctor, your pup needs regular trips to their veterinarian as well. How can you get the most from those visits? Make sure you ask your vet the right questions about your dog, from nutritional needs to vaccinations to behavioral issues.

If your pet has any new or unusual issues that worry you, be sure to mention them to the vet. But if they are perfectly healthy, you can still cover the basics.

Before you can ask your questions, you need to schedule your visit. It’s best to call ahead for an appointment — “walk-ins” can be hard for some clinics to work into the schedule. Another way to streamline your appointment is to tell the receptionist or technician about any specific concerns you have when you check in. That way, your veterinarian has a heads-up. Also, find out ahead of time if the vet will need a sample of your dog’s pee or poop — if so, keep that in mind before you arrive. And make sure your pup is on a leash or in a carrier!

Hopefully, you’ve kept up with your pet’s tests and vaccination schedule, but if you haven’t (or if you’ve rescued a dog and don’t have their medical records), you should make sure they are up to date on bloodwork, screenings and shots. It’s not a bad idea to ask your vet or their staff about which ones your pooch needs, now or in the future, and note the info on your calendar.

We humans brush our teeth twice a day, but we forget that our four-legged friends need to take care of their pearly whites, too. Gum disease is the most common condition that affects adult pets, and it’s one of the most preventable. Besides daily brushing at home, your dog may be due for a professional dental cleaning, which means putting them under general anesthesia so that the vet can properly check, X-ray, clean, and polish their teeth.

A proper weight is crucial for your dog’s health and well-being. Because every breed is different, it’s hard to know the right number for your little (or big) guy. But it’s especially important for specific breeds that are prone to conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, heart disease, and more. If your pup does have a few extra pounds to drop, ask your vet if they can recommend any weight loss and exercise plans.

The many aisles of dog food at the pet store can be a bit overwhelming. Ask your vet for advice on types and brands that may work best.

Even indoor pets are at risk for dangerous pests that may choose your pet as their next meal. Ask your vet about which flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medicines they recommend for your pooch. The right ones may depend on where you live, your pet’s lifestyle, and your budget. Some flea and tick meds are pills they swallow, medication you put on their skin, or collars or tags they can wear. Heartworm prevention can come as a monthly chewables, topical liquid or injectables.

This is your chance to ask the doctor if Fido’s behavior is just a quirk or a sign that something is going on with their health. If something seems off, your vet will likely recommend treatments or refer you to a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviorist to solve problems like aggression, anxiety, a lot of barking, urine marking, and other issues.

Ask your vet about costs for routine tests as well as specialized exams before your dog gets them. Make sure you understand each fee and why it is necessary for your pooch’s health.

Your veterinarian is here to help your dog, so don’t be afraid to ask what’s going on and what you can do to help them live a long life.

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10 Questions Everyone Should Ask Their Veterinarian

Bringing pets to a veterinarian for a wellness exam can be nerve-wracking and frustrating for some people. Often it isn’t even the vet’s fault — we just don’t know the right questions to ask. Here are 10 things everyone should ask their veterinarian.

1. Is My Pet at a Healthy Weight?

More than half of the dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight, according to a recent survey by the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention. Even worse, many pet owners with overweight dogs or cats deny there is even a problem with their pet. Ask your veterinarian if your pet is within the appropriate weight range for her breed, size and stature. Then, if there is a problem, you can work in tandem on how to solve the issue. This also applies if you suspect your pet is underweight, though it’s less typical.

2. Could I be providing a more appropriate food?

Good health begins with proper nutrition, and who best to ask what is appropriate for your pet than your veterinarian. Once they evaluate your pet they can recommend diets that are appropriate for your pet’s life stage, lifestyle and any other factors or underlying health conditions that apply.

3. Is That [Insert Odd Behavior Here] Normal?

Don’t automatically assume that your pet wheezing after a bout of exercise is normal, or that it’s common for pets to itch every time they go outside. An annual pet wellness exam is a great time to ask your vet about any peculiarities you’ve noticed in your animal over the past year. Keep a running list as these things happen so you can note to your doctor exactly what the issue was, when it first occurred and how often it has occurred since.

4. Is My Pet Up to Date on Shots?

It never hurts to make sure your furry friend is totally up-to-date on all his or her vaccinations and immunizations—it’s something that can easily be overlooked.

5. Does My Pet Need a Dental Cleaning?

Dental disease is a common problem among pets. In fact, it’s estimated that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of 3 years suffer from some degree of periodontal disease. If left untreated, this can lead to other more serious health complications such as issues with the kidney, liver, even the heart. Ask your veterinarian if Fido or Fluffy is due for a dental cleaning. “Rather than wait for a problem to develop,” says Dr. Ashley Gallagher, a veterinarian at Friendship Hospital for Animals, “it is best to perform a teeth cleaning when only mild gingivitis and/or tartar are present. This will maintain good dental health and prevent disease before it becomes a problem … which in turn helps you save money and keep your pet healthy!”

6. Does My Pet Need a Blood Test?

Blood tests screen for a variety of issues, including kidney and liver disease, diabetes, cancer and a variety of other issues that can be treated if caught early. Regular blood tests will also give your veterinarian a baseline to compare against over time.

7. What Flea/Tick Meds Do You Recommend for My Pet?

Fleas and ticks are not only a nuisance; they can also transmit deadly diseases to you and your pet. Fortunately, there are many options when it comes to killing and preventing fleas and ticks. Ask your veterinarian about the differences between popular medications on the market (for example, topical versus oral medications) and which suits you and your pet’s lifestyle the best. There are even some oral medications which protect against both fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks with just a single dose.

8. What are these Lumps and Bumps?

It’s not unusual for lumps and bumps to develop as pets age. However, unusual skin changes can also be an indication of cancer. Point out any new lumps, bumps or strange moles that have appeared since your last visit. The veterinarian can then determine if a biopsy is warranted.

9. Does My Pet Need a Rectal Exam?

Every veterinarian has a different way of doing things, but he or she may not perform a full rectal exam on your pet if you don’t ask for one. Rectal exams screen for prostate and rectal cancer, which can be treatable if caught early enough.

10. Can You Please Explain my Bill?

If you ask nicely your veterinarian will be much more likely to explain why a short visit and routine procedures cost what they do. It may seem like a lot of money, but these line item expenses are probably keeping your pet healthy and happy for many years to come.

Image: XiXinXing / via Shutterstock

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10 Questions You Should Ask Your Veterinarian

In order to make a faster and more accurate diagnosis, it is essential for a veterinarian to have comprehensive information. Before visiting a veterinary clinic, we encourage owners to write down a list of questions you want to ask the doctor. It’s very easy to forget the things you wanted to discuss when you’re worried about your pet’s condition.

If you’re not entirely sure what questions to ask your veterinarian, we have some tips to help you prepare for your visit to the veterinary clinic:

1. Is my pet’s weight normal?

Your pet will be weighed during the examination. Ask the veterinarian about the weight of the pet and how it corresponds to the norm. Being overweight or underweight can indicate health problems.

2. Do we feed our pet correctly?

The pet’s diet needs changes throughout life. The type and amount of food needs to be changed periodically. Discussing your pet’s diet will help you understand if your pet is getting the right amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. At each annual visit, tell your doctor about the amount and type of food you feed your pet. It is especially important to know if the diet has undergone a change in the period preceding the deterioration of the animal’s health. Growing kittens and puppies, diagnosed diabetes, older dogs and cats are just a few conditions that require dietary adjustments.

3. Is this behavior normal?

If you notice any change in your pet’s behavior, such as sleeping or eating more or less, active licking, biting or scratching, urinating outside the litter box, sudden attacks of aggression or fear, changes in activity or any other change in behavior – tell your veterinarian about it. Behavioral change can be a symptom that can help identify the disease.

4. When is the next vaccination due?

Skipping the next vaccination can lead to infection of your cat or dog. Keep track of vaccination dates, ask your veterinarian about the date of the next vaccination.

5. Does my cat/dog need a dental check-up?

Ask your veterinarian about your pet’s dental health. Ask if he needs professional help from a veterinary dentist or what you need to do at home to keep your pet’s teeth healthy. The neglected condition of the teeth and gums leads to a painful condition and diseases, which in the future may lead to the need for surgery in the oral cavity.

6. How up-to-date is the information on my pet’s chip?

It’s a pity, but the information on many microchips (address, telephone) is outdated and is not updated. If your chipped pet is lost, it will be difficult to find you without up-to-date information. An annual inspection is an excellent opportunity to make sure that the chip is working and the information in the database is up to date. If your animal has not yet been microchipped, it is better not to postpone this procedure

7. Do I need additional tests?

Blood tests, ultrasounds, x-rays, and other tests or studies can provide information about the animal’s health. This information can be extremely important for timely and accurate diagnosis or proper treatment. Ask your doctor if any additional tests or investigations are needed and what they are for in your case.

8. How much will all this cost?

Surprises are good, but not when they come in the form of a check. Ask about the cost of services before they begin to provide

If the cost of a procedure or treatment exceeds your expectations, discuss alternative options with your veterinarian.

9. Ask for clarification

If you don’t understand something in the doctor’s story, ask for clarification and ask questions that will help you understand the situation. No need to be shy.

10. What should I do after my visit to the veterinarian?

Before you leave your doctor, make sure you understand the next steps you will take at home. What should be done, what medications should be purchased, in what dosage and how often should they be used. Make sure you know exactly what to do next to heal your pet or keep it healthy.

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