Is your furry companion due for their next appointment at the veterinary clinic? While it’s likely that many of our patients would rather relax at home, or, in Fido’s case, visit a dog park, those appointments are for their own good! Proper veterinary care is crucial in order to maintain your pet’s health and well-being. Those visits offer you a great chance to receive tailored guidance and address any concerns you may have about your pet’s health and care. Here are some potential topics to discuss with your Calumet City, IL veterinarian during your upcoming visit.
How Are My Pet’s Teeth?
Many pets suffer from dental problems. These are as painful and problematic for them as they are for us! Pets cannot brush their own choppers, or even call a dentist if something is wrong. We recommend having your veterinarian check your pet’s teeth during every appointment.
Is There A Supplement My Pet Would Benefit From?
Vitamins and supplements can boost and benefit your pet’s health in a variety of ways. However, they are not one-size-fits-all. For dogs with joint issues, glucosamine may be recommended, while for dogs with vision issues, Vitamin A may be the best supplement. If you give the wrong thing, or the wrong amount of the right thing, it can be worse than offering nothing. It’s important to check with your vet before starting anything new.
How Effective Is My Pet’s Preventative Care?
Protecting your pet against dangerous parasites and diseases is both easier and cheaper than treating them. Preventative care can even save pets’ lives! There are many options now for flea and tick control and heartworm prevention.
It isn’t a bad idea to check with your Calumet City, IL veterinarian regularly on this, even if your pet has been on a steady regime for years. There are always new products coming out!
What Is The Recommended Amount Of Exercise For My Pet?
As far as dogs go, Fido’s workout needs will be determined by his size, breed, age, and health. What is safe and appropriate for one dog might be downright dangerous for another. For example, Labrador Retrievers usually enjoy swimming, which is a great non-impact cardio workout for them. However, swimming can be extremely dangerous for some breeds, such as Pugs and Dachshunds.
As your pet ages, the recommended guidelines for doggy workouts will also evolve accordingly. For instance, if you own a larger breed, your Calumet City, IL vet may recommend that you discourage them from jumping or standing on their hind legs. This is particularly important during Fido’s puppy years. Dogs grow at a rapid rate. That growth spurt puts immense pressure on their bodies. It is crucial to be mindful of this! Stressing Fido’s musculoskeletal system during this stage could lead to long-term issues. Additionally, senior dogs are more delicate and prone to exhaustion.
We can’t forget our feline patients. For cats, this may mean providing Fluffy with toys and things to climb and taking time to play with her daily.
How Should I Change My Pet’s Care Regimen As They Age?
As your pet ages, their needs will change a bit. You may need to make adjustments to your pet’s diet, or perhaps change their workouts. This is a great thing to touch base with your vet on!
Does My Pet’s Microchip Still Work?
While microchips do not require maintenance, they can occasionally move out of place or malfunction. Asking your veterinarian to check it regularly is always a good idea.
Is My Pet At Risk From Any Local Or Seasonal Dangers?
Even if you’ve lived in the same area all your life, this is always a good question. There’s always the possibility that a new threat may have developed.
As an example, foxtail grasses may be nothing new to someone from the Southwest. However, someone from New England may never have heard of them, or be aware of the fact that they have spread throughout North America.
What Is An Ideal Diet For My Pet?
Choosing the right food for your dear pet can feel daunting. With numerous brands available, each touting their product as the best, it’s not always easy to pick the best option.
You’ll need to consider various factors when making a decision. These may include your pet’s age, breed, health, weight, lifestyle, and any existing medical concerns. If you have recently changed brands or are using one from a brand with many product lines, bringing a photo of the label may be beneficial.
Are There Any Additional Vaccinations My Pet Needs?
In general, we would recommend that all pets receive the core vaccinations. For dogs, these include canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2, and rabies. Kitty core vaccines include feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and rabies.
It is possible for some pets to benefit from additional vaccinations as well. Bordetella vaccination is not considered core, but it is always recommended (and often required) for dogs that live with other dogs, whether at parks, daycares, kennels, or other places. Another vaccine that is frequently recommended is the Leptospirosis vaccine. Leptospirosis is a dangerous disease that can simply be contracted by coming in contact with contaminated soil or water. Location also comes into play here. A rattlesnake vaccination makes sense for a Texas dog, but not for a New England dog.
Is My Pet At A Healthy Weight?
We know, Fido and Fluffy look cute with some extra weight. However, at the end of the day, that extra weight is very bad for their health. Obesity is one of the most common conditions we see in our furry patients! In fact, even if your pet is just a few pounds overweight, those extra pounds can adversely affect their health. By assessing your pet’s body condition, your veterinarian can determine whether he or she is overweight, underweight, or just right.
What Diseases Is My Pet At Risk Of?
Pets can experience health problems at any time. However, breeds, lifestyles, and other factors do play a role. Some pets are more likely to suffer from specific conditions. For example, white dogs and cats are at greater risk for vision or hearing loss, while large dogs tend to be prone to developing hip dysplasia.
If you aren’t sure what breed or breeds your furry pal is, consider getting a DNA test. The results can be very helpful in this regard.
Is It Time To Change My Pet’s Grooming Routine?
Our animal companions look and feel better when they’re nice and clean and their fur is well cared for. Fido and Fluffy’s beauty routine should be customized based on their coat and lifestyle. A dog with short, sleek fur may only need occasional baths, while a fluffy pup will require regular baths. It’s never a bad idea to get professional advice on this.
Conclusion: The health and well-being of our furry friends are very much dependent on great veterinary care. Asking the right questions keeps you informed about your pet’s health, whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or a first-timer.
Here at your Calumet City, IL animal clinic, we are dedicated to providing top-notch care for your animals. Contact us anytime!