Questions You Should Ask Your Vet About Your Dog's Health

The best time to discuss your dog's health with your vet is during yearly checkups. Most vets, however, are happy to answer any questions you have at any time. Questions will vary depending on your dog's health. I'm always asking my vet questions. Some of them are just to educate myself more about dogs and some are specific to my dogs. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Here's some common questions about your dog's health care and behavior you should ask your vet.

What kind of dog food should I feed my dog and how much does he need? All dog food is not made the same, nor are all dogs. When it comes to dog food, you get what you pay for. Cheaper brands are more likely to cause food allergies in some dogs. A dog that gets proper nutrition from a quality food eats less and has healthier bowel movements. The amount of food a dog needs depends on his activity level, size and age of the dog. Your vet can help you determine which kind of food is best for your dog.

How can I tell if my dog is sick? There are general symptoms that let you know your dog isn't feeling well: vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and a general appearance that something is bothering them are just a few to watch out for.

Can my dog have a reaction to his vaccinations or flea medication? Dogs can have adverse reactions to flea medication and shots. Most dogs do fine, but you need to know what to look out for should a problem arise. Some vets have been rethinking yearly vaccinations, so it's important to discuss your dog's yearly shots with your vet.

My dog is a purebred. What are the health concerns for his breed? If you have a purebred dog, different breeds can have specific health concerns. By understanding what medical problems could develop and what those symptoms are, you aren't caught off guard if your dog does develop cherry eye, hip dysplasia or any other medical condition that can affect your dog's breed.

What are the different breeds in my mixed breed dog? A mixed breed dog can have the same kind of health concerns as their purebred counterparts, but not always. Having a general idea of what the different breeds are can help you with training and in understanding why he acts like he does.

What should my dog's normal temperature be? Every dog owner should know what a dog's normal temperature is and how to take it. The only accurate way to know is with a rectal thermometer. Your vet can show you how to insert the thermometer if you've never used a rectal thermometer before. A normal temperature for a dog is 101 to 102.5.

Do you have after-hours phone numbers for emergencies? If you've never had an emergency with your pet, it's easy to forget to ask about after hours, weekend, and holiday phone numbers for emergencies. Most offices do have a procedure for emergencies. Make sure to write down all emergency numbers and keep them by your phone or in a convenient place where you can quickly find the numbers.

How many vets are in the office? This is more important than you think. Some pets relate to one person better than others. One vet may handle your dog better than someone else. Your vet is the one person who knows your dog inside and out and being with someone your dog is comfortable with reduces his stress when he knows who the person is running their hands over his body. More than one vet in an office insures there is someone your dog likes and someone you can feel confident in, as well. Plus, there's always someone in the office if you need a vet's advice.

Do you have payment plans and do you accept pet insurance? Veterinarians have to pay their bills, too, but sometimes when a pet needs vet care, especially during an emergency, the money may not be there. Some vets are happy to work with their clients and you won't know until you ask if they have payment plans available. Pet insurance premiums aren't expensive, but not all vets accept it. If your vet doesn't accept pet insurance, talk to them to see if they know of another vet in your area who does. However, if you have a healthy older dog, pet insurance may not be worth the expense.

Can I visit my pet? One of the very first questions I asked my vet was if I could visit a sick pet if they needed to stay at the clinic. A dog doesn't understand why he's locked up in a cage or kennel with strangers around him. Being able to visit a sick dog reassures him you didn't abandon him and it gives you a chance to monitor his progress with your own eyes.

Are you a veterinary behaviorist and if not, is there one in the office? A veterinary behaviorist is a vet who is trained in medical and behavior issues in pets. It's a plus if your vet is a veterinary behaviorist because he/she can treat your dog and help you figure out why he is misbehaving. Some behavior problems could be due to a medical condition and having a vet who can treat your pet's medical and behavior issues makes your job easier if you need a specialist.

When it comes to your dog's health care, don't hesitate to ask questions, especially if your dog has developed a medical condition or behavior issue. Being informed helps you attend to your dog's needs in a responsible way that can help keep him healthy and happy.