How to get the most out of your pet’s annual preventative health care visit!
by Mary Fluke, DVM
So it’s that time of the year again, time to go see the vet for Fluffy or Fido’s annual visit. This is your chance to ask the questions that you need to ask and to review any issues that have been troubling you or your pet. At our hospital we allow 30 minutes for this appointment. It’s amazing how quickly that time flies, so some preparation in advance will help you to get the most out of your time with the doctor.
Lists are great! Make a list of any medical issues that concern you about your pet, things like tummy issues, lameness, respiratory problems, skin and ear issues, etc. If your pet is young and healthy, this list is probably short, but for the oldsters it can be quite a document! Think about details ahead of time so that you’ll be able to tell the doctor what the vomit looks like, or whether the lameness gets worse or better with exercise. Are there any lumps or skin masses to be checked? Mark them with a Sharpee or cut away a little hair so they will be easy to find during the appointment. Any weird cough/choke/sniffle/sneeze issues? Consider capturing video of an event on your phone or camera to show the doctor during the appointment.
What kind of food does your pet eat? Remind yourself before the appointment so that if the doctor asks, you won’t blank out and be reduced to saying, “…it’s in the yellow bag!”
Be able to tell the doctor how much food you offer each day. Think in terms of units of measure that the doctor will understand—just saying that you feed “a bowlful” isn’t really very helpful! (Oh, and remember to bring a fresh fecal sample to check for worms—your pet will be glad to be spared the nasty fecal loop!)
If your pet is on medications, be sure to bring that list with you! Yes, we should know what the meds are since we probably prescribed them, but old animals sometimes have thick records and the information can be hard to pick out in a timely way. Don’t assume that the doctor remembers every detail about your pet’s history—help him or her out by bringing a list of medications with dosages! Don’t forget about heartworm pills and flea and tick control, including brand names and dose intervals. Also, if you are giving supplements that we didn’t prescribe, bring the bottle so the doctor can take a look at the label.
One tip for pets with chronic skin and ear problems: bag up your leftover meds, shampoos, flushes, etc. and bring them along. Not only does this help us to know what you’ve been using, but you could save some money if we can avoid dispensing something you already have!
Ask for refills at the start of the appointment. Remember that the 30 minutes is ticking away, so tell us what you need so we can start filling the prescriptions and not keep you waiting while we play catch up. This also goes for things like nail trims, checking anal sacs, and trimming little mats—mention these procedures before we are done with the exam and put your pet back on the floor!
At Mallard Creek Animal Hospital, we know that teamwork is key to providing good medical care to our patients. Every pet owner is a member of the team. Help us to do the best job that we can for you and your pets!
by Mary Fluke, DVM
So it’s that time of the year again, time to go see the vet for Fluffy or Fido’s annual visit. This is your chance to ask the questions that you need to ask and to review any issues that have been troubling you or your pet. At our hospital we allow 30 minutes for this appointment. It’s amazing how quickly that time flies, so some preparation in advance will help you to get the most out of your time with the doctor.
Lists are great! Make a list of any medical issues that concern you about your pet, things like tummy issues, lameness, respiratory problems, skin and ear issues, etc. If your pet is young and healthy, this list is probably short, but for the oldsters it can be quite a document! Think about details ahead of time so that you’ll be able to tell the doctor what the vomit looks like, or whether the lameness gets worse or better with exercise. Are there any lumps or skin masses to be checked? Mark them with a Sharpee or cut away a little hair so they will be easy to find during the appointment. Any weird cough/choke/sniffle/sneeze issues? Consider capturing video of an event on your phone or camera to show the doctor during the appointment.
What kind of food does your pet eat? Remind yourself before the appointment so that if the doctor asks, you won’t blank out and be reduced to saying, “…it’s in the yellow bag!”
Be able to tell the doctor how much food you offer each day. Think in terms of units of measure that the doctor will understand—just saying that you feed “a bowlful” isn’t really very helpful! (Oh, and remember to bring a fresh fecal sample to check for worms—your pet will be glad to be spared the nasty fecal loop!)
If your pet is on medications, be sure to bring that list with you! Yes, we should know what the meds are since we probably prescribed them, but old animals sometimes have thick records and the information can be hard to pick out in a timely way. Don’t assume that the doctor remembers every detail about your pet’s history—help him or her out by bringing a list of medications with dosages! Don’t forget about heartworm pills and flea and tick control, including brand names and dose intervals. Also, if you are giving supplements that we didn’t prescribe, bring the bottle so the doctor can take a look at the label.
One tip for pets with chronic skin and ear problems: bag up your leftover meds, shampoos, flushes, etc. and bring them along. Not only does this help us to know what you’ve been using, but you could save some money if we can avoid dispensing something you already have!
Ask for refills at the start of the appointment. Remember that the 30 minutes is ticking away, so tell us what you need so we can start filling the prescriptions and not keep you waiting while we play catch up. This also goes for things like nail trims, checking anal sacs, and trimming little mats—mention these procedures before we are done with the exam and put your pet back on the floor!
At Mallard Creek Animal Hospital, we know that teamwork is key to providing good medical care to our patients. Every pet owner is a member of the team. Help us to do the best job that we can for you and your pets!
