What information does my vet need before an appointment?
When you visit your doctor, sharing what’s been happening with your health helps them make informed recommendations. The same is true when your pet visits their veterinarian.
You know your pet best. The observations you share can make an important difference in their care.Having a few key details ready for your appointment can help your veterinarian better understand what your pet is experiencing, make thoughtful recommendations, and make the visit feel less stressful for everyone.
Medications
Please let your veterinarian know about everything your pet is currently taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter products, supplements, and flea and tick preventatives.
Some medications and products may interact with one another, so having a complete and accurate list helps your veterinary team make the safest recommendations for your pet.
Keep track of:
- The name of each medication or product
- The amount given
- How often it is given
- What time of day it is given
- When your pet last received it
Even products that may seem routine or harmless are important to mention. When in doubt, it’s always better to share the information.
Food & Eating Habits
You may hear some familiar questions at your pet’s appointment: What are they eating? How much? How often?
These details can tell your veterinarian a lot about your pet’s health and nutritional needs.
Understanding your pet’s diet can help your veterinarian make appropriate recommendations based on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health.
Some pets graze throughout the day, while others eat meals at specific times. Some always finish their meal, while others might often leave food in the bowl. Telling us their usual routine, can help us identify possible causes of symptoms.
Keep track of:
- What food and treats your pet receives
- How much they eat
- How often they eat
- Whether they graze or eat meals all at once
- Any recent changes in appetite or diet
Energy & Activity
Your pet’s normal energy level is an important part of their overall health. Because you spend the most time with your pet, you may be the first person to notice when they are acting differently.
A change in energy doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong. Pets naturally change as they age, and their activity can vary from day to day. However, a noticeable or persistent change is worth sharing with your veterinarian.
Changes in activity may help your veterinary team recognize potential health concerns early. A sudden decrease in activity can sometimes accompany concerns such as infection, fever, anemia, pain, or changes in organ function.
Understand pain and mobility
Slowing down, reluctance to move, or changes in normal activity can sometimes be associated with chronic pain, joint problems, injuries, or arthritis. These changes may appear before other signs become obvious.
Evaluate nutritional needs
Your pet’s activity level helps determine how much energy they need from their diet. A young, highly active puppy may have very different nutritional needs than an older pet who spends more time resting.
Providing your veterinarian with an accurate picture of your pet’s normal activity can help them determine whether changes in diet or other aspects of care may be appropriate.
Establish a health baseline
Knowing what is normal for your pet makes it easier to recognize when something has changed. Small changes over time can be meaningful, particularly when they happen more quickly than expected.
Common Symptoms
Coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and diarrhea can have many different causes. While an occasional symptom may not always indicate a serious problem, new, recurring, worsening, or concerning symptoms should be discussed with your veterinarian.
When you notice a symptom, try to keep track of when it started, how often it happens, and whether anything seems to trigger or relieve it.
Coughing
A new or increasing cough can have several possible causes, including concerns involving the heart, lungs, or respiratory system. Let your veterinarian know if your pet develops a cough or if an existing cough changes.
Sneezing
Sneezing can occur for many reasons, ranging from respiratory irritation or illness to something irritating the nasal passages. Sudden or persistent sneezing is worth bringing to your veterinarian’s attention.
Vomiting
Vomiting is not something to ignore, particularly when it is repeated or accompanied by other changes in your pet’s behavior, appetite, or energy. It can have many possible causes, including digestive concerns and dietary sensitivities.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can also have many causes. If your pet develops diarrhea, take note of how often it occurs and whether you notice any other changes. If possible, snapping a few pictures of the abnormal bowel movements to show your veterinarian can be helpful.
A fresh fecal sample can provide helpful information when evaluating your pet.
Changes in Urination
Changes in your pet’s urination can sometimes be difficult to notice, especially if they spend time outdoors. Whenever possible, pay attention to how often your pet urinates, whether they seem comfortable while doing so, and whether you notice changes in the color or amount of urine.
Changes in urination can have many possible causes, so sharing what you observe can help your veterinarian determine what questions to ask and whether further evaluation is needed.
If you notice a significant or sudden change, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinary team.
Changes in Drinking
You may notice that your pet is suddenly drinking more or less water than usual. While drinking habits can naturally vary, an unexpected or persistent change is important to discuss with your veterinarian.
Changes in thirst can occur for a number of reasons, including conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease, as well as other health concerns.
If you notice your pet drinking noticeably more or less than usual, try to keep track of the change and let your veterinary team know.
Your Observations Matter
You don’t need to know what is causing a change in your pet—that’s what your veterinary team is there to help with.
Your job is simply to notice what is different and share what you can. Information about your pet’s medications, food, energy, symptoms, drinking, and urination can give your veterinarian valuable insight into what your pet may need.
When it comes to your pet’s health, there are no “silly” questions or observations. If something feels different or concerning, let us know. We’re here to help you and your pet with the answers you need.
We look forward to seeing you at your pet's next appointment!