Providing everything from pet vaccines to emergency care, veterinary clinics are an essential resource for anyone who owns a dog, cat, or another animal. But since furry companions can’t speak for themselves, it’s up to you to communicate with the veterinarian to ensure your pet’s health needs are met. To help you get the most out of these conversations, here are five questions you may want to ask during your next visit.   

5 Important Questions to Ask Your Vet

1. When Are the Next Vaccines Required?  

By building up an animal’s immune system, pet vaccines can prevent a wide range of severe and fatal illnesses in your four-legged friend—including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. While many of these shots are given early on, boosters are occasionally needed to keep your cat or dog safe. To make sure your pet is on schedule, ask your vet if they’re due for any shots—or when the next one will be needed.

2. Should I Have My Pet’s Teeth Cleaned?

Just like humans, animals can suffer from dental problems—such as tooth decay and gum disease. The problem is that these creatures can’t brush their own teeth or let you know if they’re experiencing dental pain. By having your veterinary clinic assess your animal’s teeth, they can determine if cleaning or other dental treatments are necessary to prevent decay.

3. Is My Animal at a Healthy Weight?

When pet obesity occurs, animals face a higher risk of developing certain cancers, arthritis, and diabetes, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Your vet can tell you what weight range is ideal for your companion. If they are overweight, special foods and fitness activities may be recommended.

4. Does My Pet Need Any Health Screenings?

Depending on the type, age, gender, and breed of your animal, certain screenings may be necessary to detect medical problems early on. For example, veterinary clinics can assess lumps to see if they are cancerous, perform blood tests to monitor liver and kidney function, and inspect eyes to detect cataracts. With early detection, your pet can benefit from treatments that restore proper health and ease symptoms.

5. What Flea & Tick Medication Do You Recommend?

Cats and dogs should be protected from fleas and ticks all year-round—even if they are primarily indoor animals. To make sure your companion is getting the right amount of protection against these parasites, ask your veterinarian which products are the safest and most effective.

Talking about your pet’s health is easy when you visit Parker Animal Clinic in Clarksville, AR. As a long-time veterinary clinic of the River Valley clinic, this team is recognized for providing care in a personable and comfortable fashion. Whatever concerns you have about your animal, these specialists will help address through them state-of-the-art services—including vaccines, dental care, diagnostic testing, and surgery. For more details about these services, visit the clinic online. To schedule an appointment, call (479) 754-5656.