Questions for a First Vet Appointment

Universal Questions

• Certain questions to ask at your first vet appointment apply to all animals. Ask your veterinary what type of food your pet needs at each stage of its life and how much. Ask about vaccinations--types and when they should be done--and future checkups. All animals require recreation and exercise. Ask what types of toys and play equipment are ideal for your pet. Ask for recommendations for local kennels, dog walkers, dog daycares, pet sitters, trainers, dog parks, playgroups and other resources specific to your pet. Also inquire about common household items that are toxic to your species of pet. If you adopted a shelter pet, ask your vet for a full battery of disease and parasite tests.

Dogs

• Many breeds of dogs experience congenital problems. For example, tracheal collapse is common in Yorkshire terriers, while Labrador retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia. Always ask your vet about potential congenital problems in your dog and ways to combat the emergence of those problems. Exercise is extremely important for dogs--what kind of exercise should your dog get, how much and how often? If you adopted a shelter dog, ask your veterinarian if the dog exhibits any signs of abuse or other negative behavioral cues, and whether the dog is roughly the same age and breed the shelter told you it was. Also ask about training and crating your dog.

Cats

• One of the most important questions to ask your vet during your first visit with your cat is whether it should be allowed to roam outside. While some pet owners believe firmly in cats' autonomy, outdoor animals often suffer from fights with feral cats, raccoons, skunks and other local wildlife, not to mention busy roads and humans bent on abuse. For new cat owners, ask about urinary tract blockages, a serious problem in felines. Ask about kitty litter brands, litter boxes and litter training, as well as the signs and symptoms of common cat diseases.

Birds

• Birds exhibit very different behavioral patterns than mammals. While dog and cat owners can usually tell if their pets are suffering from an ailment, deciphering a bird's behavior may be difficult for new owners. Ask your vet about bird behavior, everyday needs (cage size, food, toys, etc.) and common signs of discomfort. Tropical birds such as parrots and macaws are extremely intelligent and require a good deal of stimulation in order to maintain a healthy state of mind. Ask your vet about interacting with your pet. Inquire about local avian emergency care centers as well, as some veterinarians are reluctant to see birds.

Rabbits

• No laws exist requiring vaccinations for rabbits. However, bunnies commonly suffer from myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease. Ask your vet about the likelihood of your rabbit contracting these diseases and whether you should vaccinate as a precaution. Tell your doctor about your rabbit's environment--is it a large outdoor hutch or a small indoor cage?--and ask how much exercise the animal needs in relation to its living environment. Ask your veterinary about proper grooming techniques and daily care also.

Other Animals

• When taking your cold-blooded pet (snake, turtle, frog, etc.) to the vet for the first time, ask about habitat requirements, such as light, moisture and temperature. With large snakes, ask whether dead or live rats or rabbits are the best food: Live rats may damage snakes by fighting back, but certain species won't eat dead animals. With rodents, inquire about aggression. Male hamsters are extremely territorial and often kill one another when placed in close proximity, though male rats love the company of other rats and get along quite well.