New Pet? 7 Questions to Ask Your Family Veterinarian

Your new family member may be furry with whiskers and a tail, or have scales, hooves or even wings. If you're the proud new owner of a new pet, chances are you'll have best results integrating your new pet into your family when you include a veterinarian on your team.

"Having a new pet isn't like having a new toy," cautions your veterinarian. "It's just like having a kid. Some people get animals without knowing what they really need. There may be tests and vaccines the animal needs. You have to be sure the pet gets everything it needs, so seek an experienced veterinarian."

Problems can occur early during your pet's integration with your family, including any existing pets. Your veterinarian can help you with this. You will want to discuss foods, overfeeding and underfeeding, activity levels and exercise needs, vaccinations and dental care early in your role as new pet owner.

The earlier these issues are discussed with your vet the greater the likelihood that a pet's specific needs and overall good health will be met. Consider an open conversation with the veterinarian you plan to use as your wellness consultant. Write down your questions and bring them with you to your initial and future visits. Remember to include these important questions during an initial "interview" with your veterinarian:

  1. What experience do you have with pets like mine?
  2. What other types of pets do you care for?
  3. Can you advise me on the best way to care for my pet?
  4. What vaccination schedule do you suggest and why?
  5. What dental and grooming habits do you suggest and why?
  6. What food and nutrition recommendations would you make for my pet? What daily calorie intake and exercise routine does my pet require for optimum health?
  7. Do you provide round-the-clock emergency care and if not, can you recommend someone and provide me with their contact information?

Asking your new veterinarian specific questions like those above will help you focus your visit and achieve specific results during the visit. Having written questions before a visit can help you remember them in order to get the information you need the first time.

If you would like to schedule a check-up with one of our veterinarians, call us today to make an appointment!

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  • "Dr. Diamond,

    Your compassion and kindness to our "Star" was greatly appreciated."
    Sincerely, Rose Kush
  • "Dr. Diamond,

    I know that I always tell you how wonderful you are to "Nala" and I. But just by the amount of patients you have tells me that other clients feel the same way! You never make us feel like you are rushed. You make sure that we know you care for each and every pet. I have raised many dogs and went to many vets in my lifetime. But never had such a wonderful vet as you. It is very hard to compare any vet to you, because you my friend, are in a class of your own! God bless you, Dr. Diamond. Thank you soooo much for caring about us."
    Sincerely, Michelle & "Nala"
  • "Dear Dr. Diamond and all of your wonderful pet angels,

    I was touched to receive your beautiful card and you all wrote messages! That is incredibly special.As you all are. I am so grateful for your loving expertise with caring for all our dogs, but especially Spike. He lived longer and better thanks to your care. May 28th was a shockingly sad day but I just kept focusing then and now on your kindness and gentleness."
    Rosemari and all the family
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    Glen and I are so thankful to you and your wonderful staff for taking such good care of our sweet lil' Brin. Your kindness and gentle treatment of her while she was feeling poorly and trying so hard to recover means more to us than you could imagine. Thank you so much.

    Thank you, your thoughtfulness is appreciated,"
    The Cotten Family