If your pet is due for a checkup, you may be wondering what to expect and if there's anything you should do to be prepared. To get the most out of your pet's routine exam appointment, ask your veterinarian these important questions as suggested by our Springfield vets.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Routine Checkup
When you bring your dog or cat into our Springfield veterinary clinic for a checkup, your vet will review your pet's medical history and ask you about any specific concerns you might have.
After these initial steps, your veterinarian will perform a physical checkup of your pet, which will usually include any or all of the following:
- 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
Preparing for a veterinary appointment is always easier for you and your pet when you have your questions ready to go. Being prepared ahead of time allows you to gather all the information you need to maintain your pet's happiness and health.
Here, the vets at our Springfield animal clinic offer some important questions 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 Springfield vet clinic always do their best to inform you when your pet is due for booster shots. However, it can sometimes be overlooked, so it's always best to ask.
Are there any concerns with my pet's behavior?
Pets often engage in perplexing behaviors that can cause concern for their owners, including biting, wheezing, or itching. It is crucial to monitor these actions closely and seek guidance from your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying issue. Additionally, inform your veterinarian about the timing of these behaviors to facilitate a more precise diagnosis.
Do you have any recommendations for my pet's diet and nutrition?
Determining whether your pet is overweight or underweight can pose a challenge. All breeds and ages of pets must follow specific weight guidelines to maintain a healthy life. Even a slight deviation from these guidelines, with a few extra pounds, can expose your pet to various health problems, some of which may be life-threatening. This makes it a critical issue.
If your cat or dog is overweight, your veterinarian will collaborate with you to create a diet and exercise plan that will assist your pet in shedding those excess 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 can recommend or prescribe a prevention product that will work best for your pet.
Can you explain the items on my bill, please?
When the staff at your veterinary office hands you the bill, please ask this question if you don't understand the charges. 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.