Is your furry best friend due to visit the veterinary clinic soon? While many of our patients would undoubtedly prefer to stay home and take a nap rather than come see us, it’s definitely in their best interests to come in. Your beloved pet will be much healthier and happier if given proper care! Why not make the most of your time here? This is a great chance for you to ask questions and get some personalized advice about your pet’s needs and care regimen. Read on to find out what questions you should ask your Richboro, PA vet at your next appointment. 

How Much Exercise Does My Pet Need

Your furry buddy’s exercise needs will change over time. Fido’s workout needs will also depend on his size, breed, and health. What is safe and suitable for a German Shepherd could be dangerous for a Pomeranian. For example, a Golden Retriever may enjoy swimming, which can also be a great, low-impact cardio workout for some pups. However, it would be very dangerous for a Pugs or a Dachshund.

Age is a factor here as well. Dogs grow extremely quickly, which puts a strain on their bodies, particularly with large breeds. You may be advised not to encourage your puppy to jump or stand on his back legs when he is still growing. Be very careful during this crucial stage. Certain types of exercise can stress the musculoskeletal system, causing lifelong problems. You should also be very careful with senior dogs, as they are quite fragile and can easily be overexerted.

Is My Pet’s Preventative Care Good?

It’s both easier and cheaper to keep up with preventative care than it is to treat dangerous parasites and diseases. This can even save your pet’s life in some cases! For instance, heartworms are easy to prevent, but can be deadly. Even if your pet has been on a steady regime for years, it is not a bad idea to revisit the topic with your veterinarian regularly. There are now many options for things like flea and tick control and heartworm prevention, with new products coming out all the time.

What Adjustments Should I Make As My Pet Gets Older?

Your pet’s care needs will change over time. Just like people, Fluffy and Fido slow down as they age. You’ll need to start focusing less on keeping your four-legged pal entertained and active, and more on keeping them healthy and comfortable. This may mean changing your pet’s diet, changing play styles, or changing the bedding. Cats may benefit from litterboxes with low walls, while a dog may need pet ramps to get in and out of the car. 

What Is My Pet’s Life Expectancy?

Your veterinarian of course cannot give you a precise figure on this one. However, they can offer insight into the averages for similar pets. We can also make an educated guess in cases where a pet has health issues.

Is My Pet’s Microchip Still Functioning Properly?

Microchips don’t need maintenance, but they can sometimes move out of place or malfunction. It’s definitely not a bad idea to have your veterinarian regularly check your pet’s microchip.

What Local/Seasonal Dangers I Should Be Aware Of?

Different habitats can present very different threats. This is an especially important question for people who have just moved to a new area. For instance, the dangers of Foxtail grasses may be well known to someone from southern California, but could be completely unknown to someone from Vermont. Even if you’ve lived in the same area all your life, this is a good thing to check in on. There may be a new threat you don’t know of yet.

What Common Diseases Is My Pet At Risk Of? 

While medical problems can affect any pet at any time, some pets are more prone to specific ones. Your furry buddy’s breed and history are both factors here. (Tip: It may not be a bad idea to get a doggy DNA test if you have a mutt.)

Are My Pet’s Teeth Healthy?

Dental care is just as important to our animal companions as it is for us. We recommend having your vet check your pet’s teeth at every appointment. Be sure to mention anything you’ve noticed that could indicate dental issues. That includes things like drooling, bad breath, and bloody gums.

What Supplements Should I Give My Pet?

Vitamins and supplements can help prevent or manage a variety of illnesses and injuries, and just generally help promote good health. These are definitely not one-size-fits-all. For instance, a supplement containing a lot of Vitamin A may be beneficial for dogs with vision problems. Glucosamine and fish oil are often recommended for dogs with joint problems. Consult your vet before beginning anything, as not all supplements are safe or suitable for every pet.

Is My Pet Overweight?

Obesity is one of the most common health issues we see in our furry patients. This is very important! Just as with humans, pets’ weight has a big impact on their health. Your pet’s health can be negatively affected even if they’re just a few pounds off their ideal weight. 

If your pet is overweight, underweight, or just right, your Richboro, PA veterinarian will be able to tell you. 

Which Vaccinations Does My Pet Need?

We recommend that all pets get the core vaccines. For dogs, these include canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2, and rabies. Kitty core vaccines include FHV-1, FCV, FPV, rabies, and FeLV.

Your vet may also recommend some additional vaccines. Bordetella is a good example of this. Even though it is not officially regarded as core, it is always recommended—and usually required—for dogs that spend time with other pooches, whether at a park, daycare, kennel, or other places. Fido may also need a vaccine to protect him against Leptospirosis, a dangerous disease that he could contract simply by coming into contact with contaminated water or soil.

Exact recommendations may also vary depending on where you live. If you and Fido live in Texas, a rattlesnake vaccine may make sense. However, that probably isn’t going to be much use for a New England dog.

Should I Adjust My Pet’s Diet?

With countless pet food companies vying for attention, picking pet food can be quite overwhelming. It can be challenging to determine which one is truly the best! You’ll need to consider various factors, such as your pet’s age, breed, health, weight, and lifestyle, as well as any medical conditions they may have. Your Richboro, PA vet can be a great resource for this.

Consider taking a photo of the pet food you are currently using. This may be quite helpful, especially if you have recently switched brands or are feeding your pet food from a company with a wide range of products.

Conclusion: Communication with your veterinarian is crucial to the health and well-being of your furry friends. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or a first-timer, asking the right questions can help you make informed decisions about your pet’s health.

This is by no means a full list of all possible questions. Contact us, your Richboro, PA animal clinic, if you have any others!