Questions To Ask Your Vet During Your Dog’s Annual Check-Up

The responsibility for dog owners does not end with just giving one’s canine its regular vaccination against the main transmissible canine illnesses and the annual check-ups; it involves asking your vet questions that would help ensure that your dog is healthy and happy. You should also follow through the recommendations for the dog’s ongoing care.

Important questions to address to your vet during annual checkups:

1) Is my dog of appropriate weight?

After weighing your dog in the annual checkup, the vet would be able to tell you if your dog is within normal healthy weight range for that breed, build and type; he may recommend changes and monitoring of weight to keep track of changes.

2) What are the recommended vaccinations for my dog?

Most dogs are given a number of available boosters and vaccines on an annual basis; check up from your vet why different vaccinations are administered.

3) Does my dog have an appropriate diet?

Dogs need different types of food at different life stages; your vet is the best person to recommend changes if any. It is also best to realize that vets get bonuses or benefits from certain pet food manufacturers. You could follow the vet’s recommendation, but buy the food from another retailer who may give it cheaper.

4) What is the appropriate exercise regime for my dog? 

This would help make sure your dog is getting enough exercise to be fit, happy and healthy. Most vets recommend good exercise for your canine, but they may also recommend lower impact exercises and taking things easy for aging canines.  

5) Are my dog’s teeth healthy and good? 

Ensure that the vet checks up the gums and teeth of your dog to ensure that there are no problems that require immediate attention. Most vets are well equipped to advise on tips to clean the tooth and gum well.

6) Do you recommend any health tests for my dog?

This is especially necessary when your dog is aging or shows any changes in condition or temperament; basic tests like blood and urine panel would provide a complete picture of what is going on internally. Tests would not only provide an early indication of diseases and conditions, but would also provide a record of a baseline of your dog’s normal levels in order to refer back to as your dog ages.

7) Does my dog carry a risk for any conditions or illnesses?

Elevated risks in certain adult dogs are true of certain breeds and types of dogs; the vet could also help you early warning signs of the health condition or illness.

8) Does my dog need more regular checkups?

This is especially necessary when your dog suffers from certain health conditions that require more frequent checkups. Schedule appointments with the vet based on his recommendations.

9) What are the appropriate flea and worming products for my dog?  

Talk to your vet about it and avoid using a product frequently as parasites build immunity to it. He could recommend changes if necessary.

10) How competitive are your medication prices and prescription costs?

You are not obliged to purchase the prescription from the vet; you could ask for a prescription to purchase the medication from another outlet, besides paying him a reasonable fee.   

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