Every pet owner has to take his or her companion to the vet, but sometimes the right questions to ask slip your mind. Avoid a repeat visit by knowing what to ask and when, to ensure you get the most out of these necessary vet visits!

Kitten

Nothing beats snuggling with your feline friend at the end of a long day, but a new kitten also comes with its fair share of responsibility. If your kitten is biting, don’t panic. This simply means they’re giving in to their natural instincts—which is to stalk prey. Over time, this generally stops, especially for indoor cats. Make sure to also ask about necessary vaccinations, grooming needs, and dietary standards.

Puppy

A new puppy is always an exciting addition to the family, but with all of the information at your disposal, it can be overwhelming to go to the vet for the first time with your tail-wagging companion. Questions to bear in mind include: when you can start socializing them with other dogs, what pet insurance plan is best for you (or if you think it’s necessary at all), how often feeding them is needed, how you can puppy-proof your house, house-training methods, and anything else that comes to mind as you’re getting your puppy acclimated to your home. Don’t forget to ask about getting a microchip, too.

Adult cat

Cats typically live longer than dogs, so an older cat is considered any feline over the age of seven or eight. If your elderly cat is lacking a quickness or their usual agility, seems underweight or overweight, or has difficulty moving, a vet visit may be in order. Inquire about getting a whole-body evaluation done, as problems in cats can sometimes be less obvious than those in dogs. Dental issues are also common with older cats, so ask your vet about what can be done if their eating habits seem out of the ordinary.

Adult dog 

Your senior dog may have a laundry list of health problems, or they may be completely fine. Either way, be sure to take them to the vet bi-annually instead of once a year, as they surpass the age of six. Dogs can have the same health issues as humans, such as cancer, bone or joint disease, or even diabetes. Don’t hold off going in for checkups if any hiccups in their normal behavior arise, like a decrease in appetite, weakness, or other unusual symptoms that stray from their day-to-day behaviors.