If your pet needs a checkup, you might be curious about what to anticipate and how to get ready. Make the most of your pet's regular exam by asking these important questions, recommended by our Torrance veterinarians.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Routine Checkup
When you bring your dog or cat into our Torrance 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 the initial steps, your vet will give your pet a physical checkup, typically involving some 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 created to identify health issues in your pet. Since our pets can't express pain, these examinations assist in gauging their overall well-being.
Common Questions That You Can Ask Your Vet
Veterinary appointments are always easier for you and your pet when you are fully prepared, which includes having the questions you want to ask ready to go. Being prepared ahead of time allows you to get all the information you need to help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Below, the vets at our Torrance animal clinic provide some questions they feel are important 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 Torrance vet clinic always do their best to inform you when your pet is due for their booster shots however, it can sometimes be overlooked, so it's always best to ask.
Are there any concerns with my pet's behavior?
Sometimes, pets do odd things like biting, wheezing, or itching, which can concern their owners. It's important to watch out for these behaviors and talk to your vet if you think something might be wrong. Make sure to let your vet know when these behaviors happened so they can figure out what's going on.
Do you have any recommendations for my pet's diet and nutrition?
Knowing if your pet is too heavy or too light can be tough. All types of pets, regardless of their kind and age, need to stick to certain weight rules for a good life. Just a little too much or too little weight can make your pet prone to various health issues, some really serious. So, it's a big deal. If your dog or cat is too heavy, your vet will help you make a diet and workout plan to help them lose weight.
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, knowing which one is best for you and your pet can be difficult. Fortunately, your veterinarian will be able to 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.
