Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian 

Are you scheduled for a visit to our Burlington, ON animal clinic in the near future? While it’s probably safe to say that your furry friend would probably rather stay home, regular visits are crucial to your pet’s health and wellbeing. This is also a great time to get some personalized advice that can help you keep your companion happy and healthy for as long as possible. As your Burlington, ON vet, we are always happy to answer questions!

Here are a few things you may want to inquire about:

What Kind of Food Should I Feed My Pet?

We’re excited to share our thoughts on brands and ingredients, but remember, your pet deserves a menu that’s just right for them! No need to empty your wallet on pet food. Just ensure your furry friend is enjoying a nutritious diet tailored to their age, health, and lifestyle needs.

Here are some handy tips for you:

• Make it a routine to check the labels. Choose products that have ingredients you can easily recognize. When it comes to dogs and cats, you’ll want to see meat, fish, or poultry at the top of the label. Steer clear of items packed with lengthy lists of mysterious ingredients.
• Introduce dietary changes gradually, over the course of several days.
• Watch those portions closely!

Make sure to touch base with your Burlington, ON vet about this regularly, since your pet’s needs will evolve as time goes on.

How Much Exercise Does My Pet Need?

This one is definitely more relevant for dogs, as cats pretty much know how to manage their own exercise routines. (They also think that catching Zs counts as a valid form of exercise, but that’s a whole different discussion.)

Activity levels for dogs can vary greatly from one pup to another. Size is just one piece of the puzzle. A Chihuahua can get all the exercise they require by zipping around on those little legs! A Golden Retriever typically requires at least an hour, or sometimes even more, of energetic playtime each day.

It’s not just about size though. The breed and physiology of your pet play a significant role as well. Brachys, like pugs, shouldn’t be urged to run, jump, or swim: their short airways mean they can lose their breath in a flash. For larger dogs, jumping and standing can pose some safety concerns.

Of course, that’s not to imply that our furry friends, like kitties and other animals, don’t require their share of exercise. But, for them, play is usually the standard. 

Which Vaccinations Are Essential for My Pet?

Pets can catch all sorts of illnesses and diseases. While it’s impossible to shield your furry friend from every single danger out there, you can definitely arm them with vaccinations for many of the usual suspects.

We usually suggest that every dog and cat receive their essential vaccines, as follows.

Essential vaccinations for dogs:

• Canine distemper virus (CDV):
• Canine adenovirus (CAV)
• Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV‐2)
• Rabies

Essential vaccinations for cats: 

• Feline parvovirus (FPV)
• Feline calicivirus (FCV)
• Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)

Your Burlington, ON vet might suggest some non-core vaccines as well. Many kennels, airlines, groomers, and daycares usually require the Bordetella vaccine, making it a common recommendation. Your pet might also get some extra protection from non-core vaccines like the lepto vaccine, rattlesnake vaccines, and a few others that could be beneficial.

How Are My Pet’s Teeth?

Managing your pet’s dental health is just as crucial as looking after your own. Fluffy and Fido are unable to brush their own teeth, and they can’t set up appointments for cleanings or any other dental care either. Nonetheless, problems like abscesses, gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, infections, and misalignments can result in intense discomfort and may lead to serious infections.

Along with having your Burlington, ON vet examine your pet’s teeth, it’s a great idea to implement some home care as well. 

Does My Pet Require Preventative Care?

Pests like fleas, ticks, and heartworms might be tiny, but they can create some seriously big issues. Certain infestations can even pose a risk to your pet’s life. Your furry friend might need a little testing before diving into a particular treatment plan. Heartworm serves as a prime example of this. The products designed to prevent infestations won’t eliminate any live worms, so if Fido is already dealing with an infection, he’ll require a treatment plan instead of just basic preventatives.

A solid preventative care regimen is absolutely essential, and we can’t emphasize that enough! Protecting your pet from harmful parasites and diseases is not only cheaper and easier, but also more effective than addressing these things later on. It’s a lot more comfortable for your best friend as well.

Should I Sign My Pet Up for Wellness Care Plans or Insurance?

Wellness plans and insurance complement each other nicely, but they are not the same. Insurance is designed to help manage the expenses that come with unexpected illnesses and injuries. Wellness plans are designed to offset the expenses of routine preventative care. Your Burlington, ON veterinarian can be an excellent resource for this information.

How Frequently Should I Give My Pet a Bath?

The bathing and grooming needs of pets can differ from one to another. A dog with short, smooth fur might only require a bath once or twice a month, while a pup with thick fur could need more regular washing. Finding the right balance in bathing is key; too much or too little can lead to discomfort, itching, and skin issues.

Your Burlington, ON vet can share some great tips on grooming products and techniques, and they can also inform you if your pet needs any medical grooming procedures, like anal gland expression.

Is My Pet a Healthy Weight?

At times, it’s quite simple to determine whether a pet is packing on the pounds or could use a little extra fluff. If Fido or Fluffy happen to be a little on the round side, there’s a solid chance they might be carrying a bit of extra weight. On the flip side, a pet showing off its ribs might be in need of a few more pounds. There’s a whole lot of gray area when it comes to figuring out if your furry friend is too heavy, too slim, or perfectly plump.

Just a heads up: if you notice sudden and unexplained changes in your pet’s weight, whether it’s losing or gaining, it could be a sign that something’s not quite right with their health. If your pet is unexpectedly growing or shrinking and you’re puzzled about the reason, it’s time for a visit to your Burlington, ON vet.

What Health Concerns Could My Pet Face?

Pets might just have a genetic flair for certain conditions. For example, pups with white fur tend to be more prone to losing their vision and hearing. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are two breeds that might face the risk of hip dysplasia, while pugs can be susceptible to eye injuries. Do some research or talk to your vet to find out if your furry friend is at a higher risk for any potential health issues.

Remember, breed plays a significant role, but it’s not the only aspect to take into account. The history of your four-legged companion is important too! For instance, pets treated with steroids might face an increased risk of developing diabetes. 

Why is my pet ____? 

We decided to leave this one blank since the possibilities for variations are nearly endless! Honestly, we might not have the answers to why your cat finds wallpaper so tasty or why your dog is totally against getting his paws wet. That being said, we certainly have a good understanding of our patients and might just be able to illuminate their charming—and frequently amusing—quirks. If you have a question, ask away!

Schedule Your Visit to Our Burlington, ON Pet Hospital

Is your pet in need of an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Are you on the hunt for an awesome veterinary clinic in the Burlington, ON area? Feel free to reach out to us anytime! We’re your friendly neighborhood animal hospital, ready to lend a paw!