Things To Ask Your Veterinarian

Is your beloved pet scheduled for a visit to your veterinary clinic soon? While many of our patients would prefer to stay at home and nap, or perhaps visit a dog park, regular care will keep your pet much healthier. Remember that now is a great time to ask questions and get specific advice about what your pet needs and how to care for it. Here at Wickenburg and the surrounding communities, we are always happy to help! Continue reading for some helpful suggestions from a local vet on questions to ask during your next visit to the vet.

What’s The Best Diet For My Furry Friend?

Picking the perfect food for your beloved pet can be overwhelming. There are numerous pet food manufacturers in the market, each striving to present their products in the most appealing way. The ideal choice will depend on their age, breed, health, weight, lifestyle, and any existing medical conditions. (Fido and Fluffy’s preferences also come into play here.)

If you’ve recently switched brands or are giving your pet food that comes in a lot of different varieties, you might even want to take a picture of the food.

How Are My Pet’s Teeth?

Pets need dental care, just like humans do. Undoubtedly, Fido and Fluffy cannot maintain their dental hygiene or seek professional help if there is an issue. It’s not a bad idea to have your Wickenburg, AZ veterinarian examine your pet’s teeth during each appointment.

Should My Pet Get Supplements?

Vitamins and supplements can boost your pet’s health. However, these should be offered on a case-by-case basis. For example, glucosamine is commonly recommended for dogs with joint issues, while a supplement rich in Vitamin A may be more appropriate for those with vision problems. Before starting any new ones, consult with your veterinarian beforehand.

What Kind Of Preventative Care Does My Pet Need?

Protecting your pet from dangerous parasites and diseases is not only more convenient but also more cost-effective than treating them. Preventative care may sometimes even save a pet’s life! Nowadays, there are numerous choices available when it comes to flea and tick control, as well as heartworm prevention. It’s always a good idea to regularly consult with your veterinarian on this, even if your pet has been on a consistent routine for years.

Which Vaccinations Are Necessary For My Pet?

The gold standard is to suggest that all pets get the basic immunizations. Core vaccines for dogs include canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2, and rabies. Kitties can be protected against FHV-1, FCV, FPV, rabies, and FeLV. However, certain pets may benefit from further vaccinations.

Location is also a factor to consider here. A rattlesnake vaccine may benefit a Texas dog, but it would not be appropriate for a New England dog.

What Medical Issues Is My Pet At Risk Of?

Our furry friends are vulnerable to numerous illnesses and diseases. However, some pets may be more prone to specific issues than others. For example, a white dog or cat may have a higher chance of experiencing vision or hearing loss, while a large breed dog may be more prone to developing hip dysplasia.

The breed of the animal is also a factor to consider. If you own a mixed-breed dog, it might be worth considering a doggy DNA test. This can be very helpful for finding out what issues your furry bestie may be vulnerable to.

Is My Pet Overweight?

Your vet will assess your pet’s body condition and inform you if your animal companion is overweight, underweight, or at an ideal weight. Obesity is a huge problem with pets, and is definitely something to nip in the bud!

Is My Pet Getting Sufficient Exercise?

This one generally relates to dogs; cats get sluggish as they age. Exercise needs will vary, based on factors such as your furry buddy’s age, size, breed, and overall health. What works well for one dog may pose serious risks for another. Take a Labrador Retriever, for instance. They absolutely adore swimming, and can definitely benefit from this as a low-impact cardio workout. However, Swimming can pose a significant risk for Pugs and Dachshunds.

It’s important to note that these recommendations might change over time.

What Is My Pet’s Ideal Grooming Routine?

Our animal companions are incredibly adorable, but they look and feel better when they are clean and their fur (or feathers) are well-cared for. All of our furry friends have unique needs when it comes to their beauty routine. For dogs with short, sleek fur, occasional baths should suffice. However, for those with fluffy coats, a monthly bath is necessary to keep them looking their best.

Some of our furry patients require additional attention to their ears or ears, while others need medical grooming, such as expression of anal glands.

Ask about how often you should be grooming your pet. You may also want to seek advice on grooming tools, such as combs, brushes, shampoos, and, if necessary, haircuts.

What Should I Change As My Pet Gets Older?

It might feel as though you only brought home that cute puppy or kitten a few weeks ago, so it can be quite surprising to realize that your furry companion is getting older. It is important to keep yourself informed about your pet’s changing care requirements. That could involve making changes to their diet, trying out new ways to play, or making adjustments to their bedding.

Do You Have Any Recommendations For Services?

Are you in need of a kennel, groomer, trainer, or dog walker? Would you like to consider volunteering with a local rescue organization? Your veterinarian can definitely help guide you in the right direction. Feel free to ask!

Is My Pet’s Microchip Working Properly?

Prioritizing the microchipping of your pet is essential if you haven’t done so already. Although microchips generally do not require maintenance, there may be instances where they can become dislodged or experience malfunctions. Having your veterinarian regularly check it is a wise idea.

What Local And Seasonal Dangers Should I Be Aware Of?

This is important for everyone, but it’s particularly significant for individuals who have just moved from one area to another. For example, individuals from the Southwest might have a good understanding of Foxtail grasses, whereas someone from Vermont may not be familiar with them at all. It’s always a good idea to inquire about this, even if you’ve been living in the same area for a long time. There might be a new danger, or maybe one that you hadn’t known about.

Conclusion: When it comes to the health and well-being of our furry friends, it is essential to have clear and effective communication with your veterinarian. Whether you have experience caring for pets or are new to being a pet owner, it’s important to ask the right questions so that you can stay knowledgeable about your pet’s health and make well-informed choices.

Contact Your Wickenburg, AZ Animal Clinic

Do you have any inquiries for us? Feel free to reach out to us at Hassayampa Veterinary Services, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities, at any time! We are dedicated to offering top-notch care and great service!