Your Pet's Physical Checkup
When you bring your dog or cat to our veterinary clinic in Harlingen for a checkup, your vet will review your pet's medical history and ask about any specific concerns.
After these initial steps, your veterinarian will conduct a physical checkup of your pet, which may include the following:
- Listening to your pet's heart and lungs.
- Checking your pet's weight, stance, and gait.
- Checking your pet's eyes for signs of redness, cloudiness, eyelid issues, excessive tearing, or discharge.
- Inspecting the pet's coat for overall condition, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss.
- Looking at your pet's feet and nails for damage or signs of more serious health concerns.
- Looking at your pet's ears for signs of bacterial infection, ear mites, wax build-up, or polyps.
- Examining the condition of your pet's teeth for any indications of periodontal disease, damage, or decay.
- Examining your dog or cat's skin for a range of issues from dryness to parasites to lumps and bumps.
- Palpate your pet's abdomen to assess whether the internal organs appear to be normal and to check for signs of discomfort.
- Feeling along your pet's body for any signs of illness such as swelling, evidence of lameness such as limited range of motion, and signs of pain.
All of these tests are designed to detect any signs of health problems in your pet. Because our dogs and cats cannot tell us when they are in pain, these tests and checks help determine how your pet feels.
What Questions to Ask a Veterinarian
Veterinary appointments are always easier for you and your pet when you are fully prepared, which includes having the questions you want to ask your vet ready to go. Having your questions ready allows you to get all the information you need to care for your cat or dog and keep them happy and healthy.
Below, the vets at our Harlingen animal clinic explain some questions you should have ready to ask your vet and discuss why they are important:
Is my pet up to date with their shots?
Vaccines are crucial to your cat or dog's preventative care. They must be kept up to date to help protect them from a wide range of serious and often life-threatening illnesses and diseases. The vets at our Harlingen clinic always do their best to inform you when your pet is due for their booster shots. However, it can sometimes be overlooked, so it's always best to ask.
Is my pet's behavior normal?
Pets do strange things that worry their owners, such as biting, wheezing, or itching. Always keep track of these behaviors and consult with your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying condition. You should also tell your veterinarian when these behaviors occurred so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
Is my pet's weight healthy?
It can be difficult to determine whether your pet is overweight or underweight. Pets of all breeds and ages must adhere to specific weight guidelines in order to live healthy lives. Even a few extra pounds over or underweight can put your pet at risk for various health problems (some of which are life-threatening), making this a critical question. If your cat or dog is overweight, your veterinarian will work with you to develop a diet and exercise plan to help your pet lose weight.
Do you recommend a specific flea or tick prevention product for my pet?
Fleas and ticks are bothersome for pets and their owners and can spread serious diseases. With so many different products available, knowing which one is best for you and your pet can be difficult. Fortunately, your veterinarian can recommend or prescribe a prevention product that will work best for your pet.
Can you explain my bill to me, please?
When your vet hands you the bill, ask this question. Your veterinarian can break down the costs and explain each fee to help you better understand the services offered. This can also help you plan your next visit.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.