Five Questions to Ask Your Vet at Your Next Appointment
- Content Writer
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Whether it’s a routine check-up or a follow-up visit, your vet appointment is more than just a box-ticking exercise. It’s an opportunity to discuss your pet’s health, raise concerns you’ve been wondering about, and make informed decisions about their care.
But in the moment, it’s easy to forget what you meant to ask. That’s why coming prepared with a few key questions can help you get the most out of your time with the vet — and stay proactive about your pet’s wellbeing.
Contents
Is My Pet at a Healthy Weight?
Weight plays a major role in your pet’s overall health. Even a few extra kilos can increase the risk of arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and more. On the flip side, unexplained weight loss could signal underlying illness.
Your vet can assess your pet’s body condition score and offer tailored advice on:
Portion sizes and feeding frequency
Diet adjustments or prescription foods
Weight loss plans or mobility support
This is particularly important if you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s body shape, appetite, or energy levels.
Are Their Teeth and Gums in Good Condition?
Dental disease is one of the most common issues in cats and dogs – and one of the most under-diagnosed. Because many pets continue to eat normally, even with sore or infected teeth, it’s easy to miss.
Ask your vet to assess:
Tartar build-up or gum inflammation
Signs of pain, loose teeth, or bad breath
Whether a dental cleaning is recommended
A quick dental check can prevent long-term pain, infection, and even damage to internal organs.
Are We Up to Date on Preventive Treatments?
Parasite prevention and vaccinations are the cornerstone of a healthy life for your pet. But with so many different products and schedules, it’s easy to lose track.
Your vet can help confirm:
Which vaccinations are due (or coming up soon)
Whether your flea, tick, and worm treatments are still effective
If your pet’s lifestyle puts them at higher risk for certain infections
This is also a great time to talk about seasonal risks, such as lungworm, harvest mites, or travel-related diseases.
Have You Noticed Any Changes I Might Have Missed?
During a physical exam, your vet may pick up subtle signs you haven’t seen at home — such as:
Slight joint stiffness or muscle loss
Early dental disease
Abnormal heart rhythms or breathing sounds
Skin changes hidden beneath the coat
Even if everything seems fine to you, this question encourages a two-way conversation that can reveal important early warning signs.
Is There Anything I Can Do at Home to Support Their Health?
Your vet can offer advice tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle – whether that means:
Adding enrichment activities to keep them mentally stimulated
Switching to a senior-friendly diet
Introducing joint supplements
Making simple changes to their routine or environment
This question helps turn the appointment into a collaborative plan to support your pet’s long-term health and happiness.
Bonus - Don’t Be Afraid to Ask About Behaviour!
Changes in behaviour – from sleeping more to becoming clingy, irritable, or withdrawn – can be just as important as physical symptoms. Many medical issues first show up as subtle behavioural shifts, so don’t hesitate to raise anything you’ve noticed, even if it feels small or odd.
When to Contact Us
If your pet is due for a check-up, or if you’ve been meaning to ask about something but haven’t had the chance, we’re here to help. No question is too small when it comes to your pet’s wellbeing.
📞 Call us on 020 8459 4729 or book an appointment online and bring your questions with you — we’ll be happy to talk them through.
We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.
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