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!

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Thursday:

9:00 AM-7:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Thanks for everything you did for Ready !
    Obviously he loved you all !"
    Bart V.
  • "I will continue to bring my furkids to Buck Road. They are absolutely wonderful with my dog and have been a great resource for my cat who suffers from allergies and kidney problems. They really care about their patients and their humans, and listen to me when I have concerns. They are never, ever overcrowded. Usually there is maybe one other dog in the waiting room. That is a relief and keeps everyone's stress levels down! The facility is clean and staff is always friendly and willing to walk you through, step by step, the treatment plan ahead. I never leave feeling confused. I love this place - and we keep coming back despite moving pretty far away!"
    Courtny S.
  • "Awesome staff ~ great veterinary care ~ Dutch is lucky to have such wonderful professionals looking after him!"
    Beverly B.
  • "A top notch practice. Highly recommend."
    Jason D.
  • "I've been bringing my pets to Buck Road Animal Hospital almost from the time they started and I have never had anything but positive experiences there. The staff feel like friends to me and they always make you feel like they're happy to see you and your pets. The vets take their time with you and your pets and they go out of their way to give you any information you might need about a pet's condition or treatment. I have A LOT of pets and some of my dogs have aggression issues but you'd never know it to see them there. They understand how to make any animal feel at ease and even my most difficult dog is welcomed there. I'd never go anywhere else. Best veterinary practice anywhere."
    Mary K.
  • "I have been a client of Buck Road Animal Hospital for 30 years..and they are the all the greatest caring friendly kind people..I would not go anywhere else..They go out of there way to accommodate you..They are Number 1..Hats off to Caroline Renee Leanne Donna Lindie and to the best vets Dr Steve and Dr Mary Pat."
    Carole M.
  • "Probably the greatest animal hospital of all-time. The staff is superb, and the Doctors are as kind and knowledgeable as they come. Can't wait for our next visit!"
    Andrew S.