When you schedule your pet’s appointment with us, there is some information that you can gather to help us meet your pet’s needs.  We ask a lot of questions during routine physical exam, and thinking about them ahead of time can help you feel better prepared for your pet’s visit.

Some examples for our canine and feline patients:

            Does your dog:

Ø      Have a hearty appetite?

Ø      Act protective of food, treats, or toys?

Ø      Have bad breath?

Ø      Exercise or move freely?

Ø      Have “accidents” in the home?

Ø      Growl or nip at other pets, children, etc.?

Ø      Receive regular heartworm, flea, and tick preventative?

Ø      Bark excessively?

Ø      Exhibit destructive chewing?

Ø      Exhibit phobias (thunderstorms, fireworks, etc.)?

Ø      Show any changes in “typical” behaviors?

Ø      Show a decline or increase in eating/drinking?

Does your cat:

Ø      Have a hearty appetite?

Ø      Have “accidents” outside the litter box?

Ø      Have bad breath?

Ø      Exercise or move freely?

Ø      Behave aggressively towards other pets, children, etc.?

Ø      Exhibit destructive scratching?

Ø      Exhibit phobias (guests, noises, etc.)?

Ø      Show any changes in “typical” behaviors?

Ø      Show a decline or increase in eating/drinking?

Ø      Show a preference for specific items/toys/areas in the home?

Ø      Show a preference for wet or dry food?

Ø      If any vomiting or diarrhea, what is the frequency/appearance/consistency?

Depending on the reason for each appointment, the information needed will certainly vary.  Our questions will also change with the type, age, or health status of your pet.  However, the above items can serve as a general guideline in the assessment of your pet’s overall healthcare needs.

Please be sure that whoever will bring your pet in for his/her appointment is able to make healthcare and financial decisions during the visit.  It is vital that this person be informed about the pet's history and lifestyle so that s/he receives the appropriate and optimum treatments and services.

Also, if you are new to the practice, or if you are adding a new pet to your family, you can fill out your "Welcome Packet" ahead of time in preparation for your appointment.

To schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at (703)723-1017.