5 TOPICS YOU SHOULD ASK ABOUT EVERY TIME YOU GO TO THE VET

ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN THESE 5 QUESTIONS

Knowing what to ask the vet at your appointment ensures that your pet receives the specific care needed for a healthy and happy life. Here are five important topics that should be discussed every time you visit your veterinarian.

DOES MY PET NEED AN ANNUAL EXAMINATION?

Just like humans, pets need an annual check-up. Good healthcare for pets is more than just vaccinating them. Why? Because dogs and cats age so much more quickly than people, it's crucial that they go to the pet clinic every year for a comprehensive exam as well as blood work, any necessary vaccinations, and refill their parasite prevention medication. It is difficult for pet owners to see the early signs of cancer and parasites. These annual examinations catch the warning signs of these awful diseases, and early treatment tends to yield a more effective recovery. At Tracy Animal Hospital we work hard to provide a calming atmosphere for both pet and pet parent, making annual examinations painless and comforting.

Here are some other great questions to ask your vet regarding annual examinations:

• How often does my puppy, middle-aged, geriatric pet need a wellness exam?
• What is included in an annual pet exam?
• ​What should I do/ not do in between annual exams to keep my pet healthy?

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VACCINATIONS?

Dogs and cats can succumb to illnesses and infections - that's why vaccinating them is incredibly important. Here at Tracy Animal Hospital, we work closely with pet parents to make sure that each patient is up to date with all their vaccinations.

Vaccinations allow your fur babies to live their best life because they prevent animals from contracting terrible diseases such as rabies and distemper. Vaccines also prevent animals from spreading diseases to humans. The cure for such diseases is often expensive and distressing for your pet.
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​Here are some other great questions to ask your vet regarding vaccinations:

• How often should my pet receive a vaccination or booster?
• What types of vaccines does my pet need?
• What are the risks of vaccinating my pet?
• How effective are vaccines in protecting my pet?

WHY IS PET DENTAL HEALTH IMPORTANT?

When you take care of your pet's teeth, you improve their quality of life as well. In addition to brushing their teeth every day, scheduling your pet for a dental cleaning once a year is one of the most important things you can do to help maintain their good health.

​Unfortunately, periodontal disease is one of the most common medical diseases for cats and dog, causing chronic pain, gum erosion and loss of bone and teeth.

We at Tracy Animal Hospital believe that good dental hygiene in our pets is not just about treating problems - it is about good prevention and it starts with care at home.  Our staff is happy to teach you how to examine your pet's mouth, the proper technique for brushing their teeth, and recommend treats and diets that support dental health.

Here are some other great questions to ask your vet regarding dental health:

• What is periodontal disease and how can I prevent it from happening to my pet?
• Will feeding dry food remove tartar from my pet's teeth?
• What is involved in a routine dental cleaning?

DO I NEED TO GET A BASELINE BLOODWORK EXAM?

Getting your pets bloodwork performed when they are young and healthy will give your vet valuable information needed to determine their health status  and needs as they age.

Through bloodwork, your vet is able to discover a variety of health issues. It is easy to determine the healthiness of their internal organ function, including kidneys and liver as well as their red and white blood cells. Bloodwork can also ascertain the surgical risk levels and type of anesthesia needed for surgery.​

Here are some good questions to ask your vet regarding bloodwork:

• How often does my pet need to get bloodwork?
• Do pets need bloodwork before a dental cleaning?
• What should I do to prepare my pet for bloodwork?
• How does blood testing work?

WHY IS PARASITE PREVENTION IMPORTANT?

Preventing your pet from getting parasites is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Parasites like fleas, ear mites, heartworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms can devastate your pet's health if left untreated.

It only costs, on average, $170 to prevent pet parasites; however, the cost for treating them is great discomfort for your pet and a monetary burden between $500 - $1,000, sometimes more. 

It is nearly impossible to detect early stages of parasite infection because the symptoms don't manifest themselves until your pet is seriously ill. Parasite prevention medication given regularly is the best way to protect your dog or cat, but does not guarantee 100% prevention. For this reason, it is imperative your pet receives regular fecal testing.

​Here are some good questions to ask your vet regarding parasite prevention:  

• How often should I have my pet tested for parasites?
• What health risks are associated with parasites?
• How do I know if my pet is already infected with parasites?
• What steps should I take to prevent my pet from getting parasites? 

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Great veterinary care is just a phone call away. If you are in our area and are looking for a caring and knowledgeable vet, give us a call!
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​You can reach us at 281-970-0601. 

Make an appointment to see Dr. Tanner Tracy or your veterinarian today. ​

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