If you\u2019re like most pet parents, you only visit the veterinarian once or twice a year. Those few minutes with your pet\u2019s doctor are valuable time to ask questions and make sure your pet is as healthy as can be.<\/p>\n
1. Is my pet a healthy weight?<\/strong> 2. Does my pet need a dental cleaning? What at-home dental care does my pet need?<\/strong> 3. How do I stop my pet from\u2026 knocking over trash cans? shredding toilet paper? other annoying habits?<\/strong> 4. Should my pet have tests for hidden diseases?<\/strong> 5. Does my pet need any preventative care?<\/strong> 6. Do I need to purchase pet insurance?<\/strong> 7. Would my pet benefit from grooming?<\/strong> 8. At what age will my pet be considered a senior?<\/strong> 9. Is my dog too old to learn?<\/strong> 10. Can you recommend other pet services?<\/strong> 11. How often do we need to come back?<\/strong> <\/p>\n Perhaps more important than any particular question, remember to visit your veterinarian regularly and pay attention to what they tell you. You may want to bring a notepad to write down suggestions and recommendations. Your veterinarian is a great resource for you and your pet, so remember to call their office when your pet is experiencing anything abnormal.<\/p>\n
\nWith half of all American pets overweight or obese<\/u><\/a> \u2014 shaving nearly two years off of their lives, on average \u2014 this question could mean extra time with your best friend.<\/p>\n
\nThe American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have dental disease<\/u><\/a> by age 2. Untreated dental disease can cause chronic pain and infection, leading to more serious diseases such as kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes or cancer.<\/p>\n
\nDoes your pet display destructive or bothersome behavior at home? Don\u2019t assume it\u2019s normal \u2014 ask your vet about it! You might find out that your pet is trying to tell you \u201cI\u2019m bored!\u201d (Check out ideas for exercising your pets here.)<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n
\nSome pet illnesses \u2014 like diabetes or kidney disease \u2014 may not have visible symptoms until they\u2019re advanced. Ask your veterinarian if your pet needs blood or urine tests to catch disease before it becomes severe.<\/p>\n
\nSome pets are more prone to ailments like arthritis or cancer than other breeds. Additionally, some geographical areas necessitate preventative care like flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Make sure your veterinarian knows you are interested in helping your pet stay healthy for the long haul.<\/p>\n
\nPet health insurance covers accidents and illness, including costly conditions like cancer ($20,000+ treatment).<\/p>\n
\nEven if you\u2019re not trying to keep your animals in show-ready condition, they may still benefit from regular grooming sessions to keep their fur detangled and soft.<\/p>\n
\nDifferent breeds have different average life spans, and may be considered a senior as early as 6 years old or as late as 10 years old. Senior pets have different nutritional and fitness needs than their younger friends, and could benefit from additional preventative care to ensure a long, healthy life.<\/p>\n
\nMany pet owners mistakenly believe that you can\u2019t teach an old dog new tricks \u2014 and that annoying behaviors are impossible to change once your dog is mature. Luckily, dogs can learn and modify their behaviors, so ask your veterinarian for a referral to a dog behaviorist if your older pup is displaying destructive behavior.<\/p>\n
\nSome veterinarians have rapport with groomers, sitters and boarders, and may know which ones to avoid. Your vet\u2019s office may also provide some ancillary services, like boarding or grooming, that you might not know about yet. If you like and trust your veterinarian, their recommendation could make choosing a pet service provider that much easier.<\/p>\n
\nPets age much faster than humans and may need more frequent check-ups than people. Ask your veterinarian how often you need to bring your pet in for exams.<\/p>\n