Information to know about your pet… before you visit the vet:
- What kind of food does your pet eat? Include the brand name and flavor, as well as the amount fed and how often they eat. Remember that “one scoop” doesn’t mean much, so be sure to quantify it in cups, etc. before your next visit. Don’t forget to mention treats, or any recent diet changes!
- What medications, if any, does your pet take? Please know the drug name, dosage, and frequency, as well as how long they’ve been on it. Preventatives count as meds too! Different brands protect against different parasites, so be sure to know which your pet takes.
- Is your pet ever exposed to other animals? This includes animals in the home, at the dog park, groomers, daycare, boarding, and play dates with neighbors or friends. When was their most recent exposure?
- Is your pet up to date on vaccines? Which ones? Just the core vaccines (rabies and DHPP for dogs/FVRCP for cats), or non-core such as lepto, influenza, Bordetella, and/or feline leukemia as well? If not up to date, did they ever receive any vaccines in the past, and when?
- Does your pet have any relevant medical history? Please disclose any previous illnesses or surgeries you are aware of to your vet team.
- What is your pet’s spay/neuter status? Different reproductive diseases affect intact and altered animals. If you’re unsure, just let us know!
- Has your pet traveled recently? This includes everything from trips out of the country to a day drive across town for a swim at the lake. Certain toxins and diseases are more prevalent in different environments.
- Is your pet nervous or aggressive? There’s no shame in this! Please let us know for our safety and your pet’s.
Remember that not all vet visits are planned, so be sure to learn this information ahead of time. I hope this helps better equip you to advocate for your pet!
Fellow vet professionals, feel free to add on!
My go-to phrase for things when taking a history is "Is your pet on any medications, vitamins, supplements, or flea control." - all of these things fall under the 'medications' question but a lot of people don't consider the others when asked about meds. Especially the flea meds for some reason. And yes, CBD oil falls under this, too. No, we aren't going to judge you.
Does your pet have a history of eating things they shouldn't?
*for cats especially* Have then been any recent major changes in the household?
This is literally me whenever an owner has a folder or file with all of their pet’s medical information included
