Does your furry friend have an appointment at your veterinary clinic soon? While many of our patients prefer to stay home and take a nap than visit us, proper care is crucial to your pet’s health and well-being. Make the most of your time here! This is a great chance to ask questions and get some personalized advice about your pet’s needs and care regimen. In this article from your animal clinic, we suggest a few things you may want to ask your Greenbrae, CA veterinarian next time you come in.

 What Illness or Diseases Is My Pet Susceptible To?

Medical issues can happen to any pet at any time. However, some pets are more susceptible to specific ones than others. For instance, white dogs may be at risk of vision or hearing loss, while large breed dogs may be more susceptible to hip dysplasia. Your vet may be able to provide valuable insight here.

Breed also plays a role here. If you aren’t sure of your pet’s breed, getting a DNA test may not be a bad idea.

What Condition Are My Pet’s Teeth In?

Pets need dental care just as much as we do. Of course, Fido and Fluffy can’t brush their own teeth or call a dentist if something is wrong. We recommend having your veterinarian check your pet’s choppers at every visit.

Do I Need To Provide Additional Preventative Care For My Pet?

In some cases, preventative care can even save pets’ lives! It is easier and cheaper to prevent dangerous parasites and diseases than to treat them. Even if your pet has been on a steady regimen for years, it’s not a bad idea to check back with your veterinarian regularly. There are now so many options for things like flea and tick control and heartworm prevention!

Is My Pet Due For Any Vaccinations?

In general, pets should get at least the core vaccines. These include canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2, and rabies for dogs, and FHV-1, FCV, FPV, rabies, and FeLV for cats.

Some pets will benefit from additional vaccines. Although Bordetella is not considered core, it is always recommended for dogs who spend time with other pups, whether in parks, daycares, kennels, or other places. Location is a factor here. A rattlesnake vaccine may make sense for a Texas dog, but not for a New England pup. Similarly, Lepto is often recommended for pups in rural areas.

Is My Pet Over or Underweight?

Pets can suffer from health problems even if they are a few pounds off the ideal weight!

 With some of our patients, it’s easy to tell if they are, well, a bit chonky. However, in other cases, it isn’t that easy. Your Greenbrae, CA veterinarian will be able to determine if your pet is overweight, underweight, or just right. 

How Much Exercise Does My Pet Need?

Fido’s workout needs will vary depending on his age, size, breed, and health. For example, a Labrador Retriever may love swimming, which can be a great cardio workout for him. However,  swimming is very dangerous for some breeds, such as pugs and Dachshunds.

It is important to note that these guidelines will change as your dog gets older. For instance, if you have a large puppy, it may be best not to encourage him to jump or stand on his back legs. Dogs grow very rapidly, which puts a lot of stress on their bodies. The wrong type or amount of exercise during this stage can stress your pet’s musculoskeletal system, possibly leading to lifelong problems. You will also need to be very careful with senior dogs, because they are more fragile and can easily be overexerted.

As for cats, you can keep Fluffy active by giving her toys and things to explore, and making time to play with her regularly.

Is It Normal When My Pet Does This?

To be fair, this one may be a loaded question where our feline friends are concerned. It may be perfectly normal for Fluffy to be obsessed with eating your wallpaper or attacking your fuzzy bunny slippers! That said, while many of those cute quirks are just quirks, others can be indicative of stress or medical problems. It is important to find out if your pet’s health and behavior are normal—or at least within the range of what’s considered normal.

What Are My Pet’s Grooming Needs?

Our animal friends all look and feel better when they are clean and their fur or feathers are properly cared for. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to pet beauty regimes. A dog with short, sleek fur may be fine with only occasional baths, while a fluffy pup might need a monthly bath. Nail care and dental care are also important. Some pets also require ear or eye care, or medical grooming, such as anal gland expression.

Don’t just ask how often to bathe your pet, but also for recommendations on combs, brushes, shampoos, and, if necessary, haircuts.

How Should I Adjust My Pet’s Care Regimen As They Age?

Our animal companions fill our lives with love, staying by our sides through thick and thin. Unfortunately, they don’t have as much time here as we would all like. It may seem like you brought home that adorable puppy or kitten just weeks ago, so realizing that your furry pal is approaching their golden years can be a bit of a shock.

That said, your pets’ care needs will need some tweaking as they age. For example, dietary changes, new play forms, or bedding adjustments might be necessary. The exact recommendations may vary from pet to pet, but in general, you’ll want to start focusing more on comfort than on activity and entertainment.

What Is Fear Free? 

We’re happy to announce that we are in alignment with fear free practices, which make appointments much easier on our patients. Please don’t hesitate to ask us about this!

How Much Should I Feed My Pet?

Good nutrition is the foundation of your pet’s care. This is definitely something to check with your vet about!

Picking out the perfect food for your furry friend can feel overwhelming these days. With countless pet food brands vying for your attention, it’s not always easy to determine which one is truly the best. Factors such as your pet’s age, breed, health, weight, and lifestyle all come into play here, and must be considered when choosing their diet. (Tip: consider taking a photo of the current food you are using – particularly if you recently switched or are using a brand with a variety of options and product lines.)

Are You Able To Recommend Any Services?

Are you searching for a kennel, groomer, trainer, or dog walker? It never hurts to ask! Your Greenbrae, CA veterinarian may be able to point you in the right direction.

What Is The Status Of My Pet’s Microchip?

While microchips don’t need maintenance, they do sometimes move or malfunction. This is definitely something to check on during your pet’s regular appointments.

Conclusion: In order to keep your pet happy and healthy, you’ll need to provide proper care. Your veterinarian can be a great resource for this. Use the time at your animal clinic to ask for specific advice.

Do you need to make an appointment at our local Greenbrae, CA animal clinic? Do you have questions about your pet’s care needs? Contact us today! We are always happy to help!