How to See a Veterinarian

Veterinarians offer specialized care for pets, farm animals and wild animals. Animals can't verbalize what ails them so a veterinarian is trained to look for subtle clues to discover the cause and provide treatment. Establish a relationship with your veterinarian and learn what to expect on your first visit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Schedule an appointment with the veterinarian of your choice. Choose a vet based on specialty, location, hours of operation and services offered.

2. Bring medical records, dates of immunizations, any medicine the pet currently takes and a stool sample for analysis (if requested) for the pet's first visit.

3. Understand that the veterinarian needs to take a history of the pet during the first visit. Questions concerning diet (food type, brand and ingredients), exercise and temperament are covered.

4. Know that the veterinarian performs a physical exam of the pet to check for obvious problems by feeling the pet, listening to the heartbeat and taking the temperature.

5. Ask the veterinarian any questions you have regarding the exam or your pet's health and behavior. Veterinarians can offer tips for how to train and discipline your pet using effective methods.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a list of any questions or concerns and take it to your veterinarian appointment. Take notes and ask questions to clarify if needed.
• Veterinarians need to know a lot of details to fully diagnose your pet's illness or maintain his health. Offer precise answers to the questions your veterinarian asks and be observant of your pet's behavior.
• Always check to see what fees your veterinarian charges. Ask the office how it collects payments and if you need to pay on the day of service.
• Schedule routine exams for your pet. Preventing illness with regular physicals and immunizations keeps your pet healthy and can save you a lot of money in the future.

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