Most pet owners agree that having a dog or cat adds a ton of joy to their entire life. But as pet parents, you also want to ensure that you’re doing the best you can to help your dog or cat stay safe and healthy. Understanding the value of veterinary medicine is a great way to prioritize your pet’s health.
From dental care to heart disease and pet insurance, we’ve created a list of questions to ask a veterinarian. At Metrovet, our professional team can help you with the following questions and more to help you navigate everything from adoption day to the senior years.
1. What type of food should I feed my pet?
There are different types of pet food, like dry food, wet food, and even grain-free foods. Your veterinarian can help you identify the best choice for your dog or cat.
Different foods provide various health benefits, from supporting dental health to managing weight gain. Your vet can also offer suggestions based on your pet’s age, as nutrition needs change during your pet’s life.
2. How often should my pet get exercise?
Ask your vet how much exercise your pet should get routinely. The answer often depends on your pet’s age, breed, and general health.
Your vet can also help you decide what type of activities are best. While puppies and adult dogs may benefit from a walk or run, kittens and cats can usually get the exercise they need with toys that prompt fun and active play.
3. What common diseases are my pets susceptible to?
Your veterinarian can help you understand what diseases your pet could be at risk for, from heart disease to dental disease to conditions that can be avoided with routine vaccinations.
Once you know the risks, you can better help your pet stay safe and healthy from the vast majority of preventable diseases and conditions.
4. When should my pet get bloodwork done?
Bloodwork can help manage your pet’s health throughout its life. From annual heartworm testing to using bloodwork for diagnostics for health problems or before surgeries. Ask your veterinarian how to best utilize a blood test or tests to maintain your pet’s health status.
5. Should I brush my pet’s teeth? When do they need a dental cleaning?
Dental health is a huge part of maintaining your cat’s and dog’s quality of life. Ask your veterinarian how the long-term use of brushing at home or professional dental cleanings can help your pet avoid dental disease.
6. What monthly preventatives does my pet need?
What does your pet need every month to maintain the best health? Your vet can guide you through recommendations like flea and tick control and heartworm prevention.
Depending on your veterinary clinic, you will most likely be able to purchase the product you need at your appointment.
7. Is pet insurance necessary?
Your veterinarian can help guide you through the pros and cons of pet insurance. Pet insurance can be helpful for certain services, from covering a major health condition or deadly disease to offsetting the cost of routine care.
Pet insurance may not be helpful for special needs such as training and management tips to address canine aggression or ongoing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
8. How often should I bathe my pet?
Check with your vet to understand how often to bathe your pet. The answer can depend on your pet’s breed, skin, age, and more, so trust your veterinarian to provide guidance.
Your vet can also suggest the best product for your dog or cat. While there may not be only one single type of product that will work, your veterinarian can also help you understand what to look for when reading ingredients.
9. What expenses should I expect for my pet?
One question many pet parents have is how much to expect for expenses. From routine appointments and vaccinations to treating a health concern, your vet can help you understand what to budget routinely and how to plan for more significant expenses like surgeries.
10. Is my pet up to date on their vaccinations?
The staff at your local Boston veterinary clinic can guide you on what vaccines your pet has and when to update them. Ask your vet or veterinary technician if you have questions about what vaccines your pet needs to stay protected.
11. Are my pet’s teeth healthy?
Dental hygiene and management are critical to maintaining your pet’s quality of life. During your pet’s routine examinations, your vet can provide insights on your pet’s teeth and any concerns that may need addressing.
Catching problems early can help ensure quality health and allow time for preventative care like dental cleanings.
12. Is my pet a healthy weight?
Ask your vet if your pet is at a healthy weight. If not, your vet will be able to guide you to help you solve any weight-related health problem through food, exercise, and more.
13. What flea/tick medications are recommended?
Your vet can provide guidance on routine care that your pet may need, including flea and tick medications. From topical solutions to oral medications, ask your vet what solution is best for your pet and protect them from dangerous parasites and discuss the pros and cons of long-term use.
14. Is their behavior normal?
Your vet can help you address unwanted behavior issues your pet may be experiencing. In some cases, behavioral problems may result from a health problem. Your vet can complete diagnostics like a blood test or urine test or discuss other solutions to helping your pet improve their quality of life.
Aggressive dog behaviors may require the assistance of ongoing behavior modification or the help of behavior experts. Your vet will likely have input on local experts who can provide proper training and tools for aggression, desensitization training, and other training solutions for your pet.
15. When should I spay or neuter them?
Ask your vet about the best time to spay or neuter your pet. Six months is often recommended, but depending on your pet’s specific circumstances or age, your vet may recommend waiting a little longer.
They can also help you navigate spaying or neutering if you adopted an adult pet or never completed the surgery when your pet was younger.
Spaying and neutering can help keep your pet healthy, reduce unwanted behavior, and ensure your dog or cat doesn’t end up with unexpected litters.
16. Should I microchip my pet?
A microchip can help you find your dog or cat if they are ever lost. Ask your vet about the cost and process of microchipping your pet. You can often protect your pet with a microchip during a routine appointment or surgery.
17. What Kind of Training is Necessary?
Your vet can guide you to professional trainers or provide insight into what training may help your pet have the best quality of life. From basic commands and positive association techniques to more advanced training that offers a balance of exercise and mental stimulation, ask your vet what is best for your pet’s age and breed.
Choosing the Right Veterinarian for You and Your Furry Friend
At Metovet, we aim to help your pets live long, healthy, and contented lives. And that means answering any questions to help you understand how to best care for them.
When choosing a veterinarian, make sure the team is devoted to helping you and your pet live a great life together!
FAQs
When should you take a new dog to the vet?
Plan to take your new dog to the vet after you adopt them to get an exam and any necessary pet vaccines or routine care. If you’ve adopted a puppy, most initial visits occur around two or three weeks of age, and vaccine visits around six to eight weeks.
You should also take your dog to the vet if you’re worried about any illness or behavioral issues, like aggressive behaviors or hostile behaviors. Aggression issues can often be addressed with proper management strategies from a trained canine behaviorist.
Can the vet keep my dog if I can’t pay?
No, the vet cannot keep your pet if you can’t pay the bill.
At Metrovet, we understand that financial budgets are important, and we can provide options so you can make decisions that balance your pet’s needs and your financial situation. We never want you to be surprised by an expense so ask us if you want to discuss costs before or during your visit.
Is it okay to call a vet and ask questions?
Yes! At Metrovet, we’d be happy to help you with any questions or customer service.
If your questions require a visit or examination of your pet (like a physical illness, mental illness, or canine aggression that may require management tools to address the current situation), we’ll book an appointment to discuss your concerns.
Visit Metrovet for all your pet’s needs, from choosing nutritious food and cat or dog-specific products to routine appointments and dealing with high-risk situations, emergencies, and additional services.
We’d love to be your go-to, trusted expert to care for your dog or cat.
