Keeping your pet healthy isn’t just about feeding them the right food or giving them daily walks. It’s also about asking smart questions when you visit the vet. Think of your vet as your pet’s second-best friend—after you, of course. A vet does more than give shots and check temperatures. They’re your partner in keeping your dog, cat or other furry friend in top shape.
If you’ve ever left a vet clinic feeling like you should’ve asked more, you’re not alone. Good communication helps spot issues early, saves you money, and adds years to your pet’s life. Whether you’re new to pet care or just want to do better, knowing what to ask makes all the difference. If you’re heading to a vet clinic in Camberwell, this guide has your back.
Let’s jump into the five questions every pet owner should ask at their next vet visit—and why they matter.
1. Is My Pet at a Healthy Weight?
Weight isn’t just about looks. It tells you if your pet is thriving or if something’s wrong. Dogs and cats that are even a few kilos overweight can face major health issues—heart problems, joint pain, diabetes. On the other hand, underweight pets might not be getting the nutrients they need or could be sick.
Your vet can check your pet’s body condition score (BCS), which works like a report card for body shape. They feel along your pet’s ribs, spine and waist to see how much fat is covering the bones. They’ll then compare this to what’s ideal for your pet’s breed, age and activity level.
Here’s what you can ask:
- What should my pet’s ideal weight be?
- Is their current food right for their age and size?
- Should we change portion sizes or feeding times?
Let’s take the case of Max, a four-year-old Labrador. His owner thought he looked fine but the vet found he was 6kg overweight. By switching to a lower-calorie food and adding 15-minute walks twice a day, Max slimmed down in six months and had more energy than ever.
It’s a simple question that can prevent expensive treatments later. Next time you’re wondering what to expect during a regular vet check-up, this one should be on your list.
2. Are There Any Early Signs of Allergies or Skin Conditions?
Itching, licking, scratching—many pet owners think it’s just normal behaviour. But these could be early signs of allergies or skin issues. Dogs and cats can develop allergies just like people. These can come from food, grass, fleas or even the weather.
Vets look for dry patches, redness, hair loss or unusual smells. They may check between the toes, under the belly and inside the ears. Some skin issues are easy to fix with a flea treatment or diet change. Others, like atopic dermatitis, need more effort.
Ask these:
- Could my pet have a skin allergy?
- What can I do to stop the itching?
- Should I change their diet or grooming routine?
Let’s look at Coco, a Cavoodle who kept chewing her paws. Her owner thought it was anxiety. The vet ran a food trial, switching her diet completely for eight weeks. Turns out, she was allergic to chicken. After changing to a fish-based diet, the chewing stopped.
If your pet is constantly scratching or licking, ask your vet how to manage your pet’s skin allergies effectively. Catching allergies early can save a lot of stress—for you and your pet.
3. Is My Pet’s Behaviour Normal?
Pets can’t speak, but they do show us how they feel. A change in behaviour can mean something’s wrong. Is your dog hiding more? Has your cat stopped using the litter box? These aren’t just quirks—they’re clues.
Vets know how to read these signs. They may check for pain, stress, diet problems or underlying diseases. Behaviour changes are often the first sign of illness. Even something small like snapping when touched could be a red flag.
Ask your vet:
- Is this behaviour something I should worry about?
- Could pain or illness be the cause?
- Should I see a behaviourist or try training?
Take Luna, a rescue cat who started hissing at her owner. The vet found she had a cracked tooth causing pain. After the tooth was removed, Luna went back to cuddling. Behaviour was the clue.
Ensuring strong vet-pet communication during visits helps your vet catch issues early and makes your pet feel safe. Your pet’s actions are always saying something. It’s up to us to listen.
4. Are My Pet’s Teeth in Good Shape?
Dental health isn’t just about bad breath. It affects the heart, kidneys and liver. Plaque builds up fast and can turn into painful infections. Most pets hide mouth pain, so you might not even know there’s a problem.
Vets check gums for redness, swelling and bleeding. They look for loose teeth, tartar and signs of decay. Some pets need regular dental cleanings, others do fine with a toothbrush and dental chews.
Key questions to ask:
- Does my pet need a dental clean soon?
- Are there signs of gum disease?
- What’s the best way to brush or clean their teeth?
One case involved a border collie named Jasper. He was eating less and seemed grumpy. The vet found three rotting teeth that were making every bite painful. After a dental clean and removal, Jasper’s mood improved overnight.
If you’ve never asked about your pet’s teeth, now’s the time. It could be the missing piece in your pet’s long-term health.
5. Are My Pet’s Vaccines and Parasite Protection Up to Date?
Vaccines and parasite protection are your pet’s shield. Fleas, ticks, worms and viruses are common and dangerous. Skipping even one dose can put your pet at risk.
But every pet is different. An indoor cat won’t need the same plan as a working farm dog. Your vet will adjust protection based on age, location, lifestyle and health status.
Smart questions include:
- What vaccines does my pet need right now?
- Are they protected from fleas, ticks and worms?
- Do we need to update anything before travel or boarding?
Let’s take Hugo, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who started coughing. His vet traced it to kennel cough from a dog park. Hugo hadn’t had his booster. A quick vaccine and a few days of rest got him back on track.
Stay ahead. It’s much easier to prevent problems than fix them later.
6. Should We Adjust Their Diet as They Age?
Age changes everything. Puppies need different nutrients than seniors. The same goes for active versus couch-potato pets. Your vet can recommend diet changes based on your pet’s stage in life.
Good food can help:
- Support joints
- Improve coat and skin
- Boost energy
- Maintain a healthy gut
Questions to ask:
- Is my pet’s current food still the right choice?
- Should we add supplements?
- How often should I reassess their diet?
Don’t trust every label at the pet store. Vets know what’s backed by science and what’s just good marketing.
7. What Tests Should We Run to Catch Problems Early?
Annual check-ups often include blood tests, urinalysis and sometimes x-rays. These catch things you can’t see—like early kidney disease or thyroid issues. Catching them early makes treatment easier and more effective.
Ask:
- What tests do you recommend for my pet this year?
- What are we checking for?
- How do I prepare my pet for these tests?
Think of these as investment in your pet’s future health. It’s about peace of mind and catching silent threats before they grow.
8. How Can I Support My Pet Between Visits?
You don’t see the vet every day—but you do see your pet. You’re the first line of defence. Your vet can give you tools to track your pet’s health at home.
Ask about:
- Grooming tips
- Signs of pain or illness to watch for
- When to call the clinic vs wait and see
By getting clear guidance, you’ll feel more confident and connected to your pet’s health every day.
FAQs
1) How often should I take my pet to the vet?
At minimum, pets should see the vet once a year. Older pets or those with ongoing conditions may need visits every 6 months. Puppies and kittens require more frequent visits for vaccines and check-ups in their first year. These regular appointments help track growth, prevent issues and catch problems early.
If your pet has any behaviour changes, appetite shifts, or skin problems between visits, don’t wait. Book an appointment. Regular vet care isn’t just for when your pet is sick—it’s part of keeping them healthy long-term.
2) What should I bring to a vet appointment?
Bring your pet’s medical records, current food packaging, a list of concerns or questions, and any supplements or medications your pet takes. For new pets or first-time visits, bring adoption papers or breeder info if available.
Also bring stool or urine samples if requested. This helps your vet run basic health checks without extra trips. If your pet is anxious, bring a blanket or toy that smells like home.
3) When should I worry about changes in my pet’s behaviour?
Any sudden or ongoing behaviour change could signal a health problem. Examples include hiding, growling, loss of appetite, restlessness or over-grooming. These changes could point to pain, stress, or illness. Don’t assume it’s just a phase—mention it to your vet.
Some issues are solved with behaviour training. Others need blood tests or X-rays. Your vet can guide the next step based on what they see and hear.
4) What are signs that my pet may have dental disease?
Look out for bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, yellow teeth, bleeding gums or difficulty eating. Dental disease can start without obvious signs, so yearly checks are important.
If left untreated, infections from the mouth can spread to the heart or kidneys. Brushing your pet’s teeth at home and getting annual dental exams are the best way to stay ahead of serious problems.
5) Can I prevent allergies in my pet?
You can’t always prevent allergies, but you can manage them well. Keep your pet clean, avoid known triggers, and feed high-quality food. Your vet may suggest hypoallergenic diets, allergy testing or special shampoos.
Keeping fleas under control helps too—flea bites are a major cause of skin allergies. If your pet has seasonal symptoms, your vet might recommend antihistamines or medication.
Keep Asking the Right Questions
Your pet can’t speak—but you can. Every question you ask helps your vet give better care. Don’t wait for problems to get worse. A simple question at the right time can add happy, healthy years to your pet’s life.
Whether it’s checking their weight, keeping their teeth clean or understanding their mood swings, be your pet’s best advocate. Next time you visit Toorak Road Veterinary Clinic, go in ready. Ask smart. Listen well. And walk out knowing you’ve done right by your best mate.
Please do not hesitate to call us today on (03) 9809 2700 or make an appointment.
