When you bring your pet to the vet, it’s easy to focus on the immediate issue — maybe a vaccination, an upset stomach, or a nail trim. But every visit is also an opportunity to understand your pet’s health more deeply. The truth is, most pet parents don’t realize how much valuable information they can get by simply asking the right questions.
At Renfrew Animal Hospital, we love when pet owners come prepared with questions. It shows care, curiosity, and a desire to be proactive. Here are five important questions that often go unasked, but can make a real difference in your pet’s long-term health.
1. Is My Pet’s Weight Really Healthy?
It’s easy to assume that if your dog or cat eats well and seems happy, their weight must be fine. But healthy weight varies widely by breed, age, and lifestyle. A “few extra pounds” might not sound like much, but even slight obesity can strain a dog’s joints or worsen a cat’s diabetes risk.
Your vet can help you interpret body condition scores — not just the number on the scale. They’ll show you how to feel for ribs and waistlines, and can recommend diet adjustments or portion guidelines specific to your pet’s metabolism. For pets already on a prescription diet, it’s worth asking whether the formula still matches their current needs.
2. What Subtle Signs Should I Watch For Between Visits?
Animals are experts at hiding discomfort. Cats, for instance, often mask pain until it’s severe. Dogs might act “a little off” before an infection or injury becomes obvious. Ask your vet what specific signs deserve attention based on your pet’s age, breed, and health history.
For example, older dogs with arthritis may start hesitating to climb stairs before they limp. Cats with kidney issues might drink slightly more water weeks before bloodwork shows changes. Knowing what’s “normal for your pet” and what’s not can help you catch problems early, when they’re easier and less costly to manage.
3. How Can I Support My Pet’s Dental Health at Home?
Dental care is often underestimated, even though gum disease can lead to pain, infection, and even organ issues. Most owners know brushing helps — but what matters is how and what else you can do.
Ask your vet about the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and whether dental chews, rinses, or diet adjustments would actually help. Some pets benefit from water additives or prescription dental diets that reduce tartar buildup. Your vet can also show you what early dental problems look like, so you can spot trouble before it leads to extractions or infections.
4. Are My Pet’s Vaccinations and Parasite Preventives Still the Right Fit?
Vaccines and preventives aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on where you live, how often your dog goes to parks, or whether your cat spends time outdoors, their risk profile changes over time. That means their vaccination schedule or parasite protection plan might need tweaking.
Ask your vet whether your pet still needs the same combination of vaccines, flea preventives, or heartworm protection they’ve been getting for years. Sometimes, simplifying your pet’s plan or spacing certain vaccines makes sense. On the flip side, new regional risks — like emerging tick-borne diseases — might mean adding coverage you didn’t need before.
5. What Can We Do to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful?
Many pets dread the vet — and that stress can affect how they behave and even how accurate exam results are. If your dog shakes the moment they walk in or your cat refuses to leave their carrier, talk to your vet about it.
At Renfrew Animal Hospital, we’re always looking for ways to make visits calmer and more positive. That can include scheduling quieter appointment times, using pheromone sprays, or suggesting desensitization strategies at home. For particularly anxious pets, we may recommend mild anti-anxiety aids before visits. A stress-free experience helps us perform better exams and helps your pet associate the vet with care, not fear.
The Bottom Line
Every question you ask helps your vet paint a clearer picture of your pet’s health. Vets don’t expect you to know everything — that’s why they’re here. But when you start asking these deeper questions, you transform routine checkups into meaningful conversations about prevention, comfort, and longevity.
At Renfrew Animal Hospital, we encourage every pet parent to be part of the care team. The more you ask, the better we can tailor our advice to your pet’s unique needs — because great care starts with great communication.
