Veterinarians spend a lot of time fielding questions from pet owners, and the five listed below are the most common general questions presented to dog and cat vets in daily practice. Find here the answers to the questions you always wanted to ask a vet !
Ask a Vet
While each pet is unique, the general answers to these questions apply to most dogs and cats.
What Is the Best Food for My Pet? Many pet owners want to know which brand or type of food is best, but the truth is that there is no one food that is perfect for every cat or every dog. Factors you should take into account when choosing a food for your pet include the following:
- The quality of the food’s ingredients
- Any health conditions your pet has
- Your pet’s age
- Your pet’s tastes
- Your lifestyle
- Your budget
Pet owners should also make sure to choose a food labeled with the words, “complete and balanced.” A commercial food bearing this phrase on the label meets the nutritional needs of cats or dogs and can be fed on a long-term basis without causing nutritional deficiencies. Learn here How to Read Pet Food Labels.
More questions to ask a vet :
- Which Vaccines Does My Pet Really Need? There is no one vaccination program that suits every cat or every dog. Instead, pet owners need to work with their veterinarians to decide which vaccines their pets need. Successful vaccination programs are based on lifestyle factors, location, age, the recommendations of veterinary organizations, state and local laws, individual health issues and other factors. Read here what you need to know about pet vaccination.
- Is My Pet Overweight? Veterinarians use body condition to determine whether or not a particular animal is overweight. In general, a dog or cat at a healthy weight should have a visible waist and ribs that can be easily felt under a thin layer of fat. If you have to push on your pet’s side to feel the animal’s ribs, the animal is probably overweight: How to Prevent Pet Obesity. If you can see your pet’s ribs clearly and cannot feel any fat over them, your pet may be underweight.
- When Is It Safe to Spay or Neuter My Pet? It is safe to spay or neuter a healthy puppy or kitten when the animal is 8 weeks old and weighs at least 2 pounds. However, not all veterinarians are comfortable performing surgery on such young pets, and some veterinarians do not recommend early spay or neuter for all pets. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to neuter or spay your cat or dog. What are the Main Benefits of Spaying and Neutering your Pet ?
- How Can I Tell if My Pet Is Sick? Cats and dogs are good at hiding health problems until they become seriously ill, so owners need to be sensitive to subtle cues. Any unexplained change in appetite, behavior, breathing, weight, thirst, activity, skin condition, defecation or urination should raise concern. If the issue gets worse or persists, a visit to your veterinarian is in order.
- Let us know what you always wanted to ask a vet !
