Top Questions to Ask Your Vet

When you take your pet to the vet, you’ll likely be coming in with a few questions in mind. But what about the questions you don’t know you should be asking? Make sure you come prepared to ensure your pet is healthy and happy!

How to be prepared for check-ups

Before you go to your vet, compile a list of any questions you may have. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to ask what you wanted to! Plus, make a list of all medications, supplements, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm prevention that your dog may be taking. Make a note of anything you have noticed that’s different since the last visit, such as a weird lump, excessive scratching, odd behavior, etc. It’s also good to list what brand of food or treats you’re giving your pet in addition to any people food your pet eats on a regular basis.

Even during routine vaccine appointments, take the opportunity to discuss any minor concerns you have noticed with your pet.

Helpful tips when sharing your pet concerns

If your furry friend appears to be sick or injured, make a list of the symptoms or signs of illness that you see in your pet. These are some of the questions that your vet may ask you to help them determine what is wrong with your do:

• How long has this issue been going on? Does this happen every day or every few days? How many times a day do you see the issue occurring?
• The consistency of their stool? Does your dog have diarrhea? Or are they constipated?
• Has your pet eaten anything they shouldn’t have?
• Any toxin exposure?
• Are they eating, drinking, urinating, and having normal bowel movements?

Being able to answer the questions will quickly allow your vet to assess your furry friend and figure out what is causing their issues. When explaining your pets’ symptoms to your vet, try to be as descriptive as possible. A video or picture of your pet’s symptoms will also help your vet be able to determine what is wrong with your pet.

If you have any other concerns, make sure that you mention these to your vet. This is where making a list comes in handy to ensure you address everything you need to with your vet.

What to do during your appointment

When you’re at your appointment, use the list of vet questions you’ve compiled to methodically get the answers you need. This way, you don’t forget to ask your vet anything! When they answer, be sure to take notes as needed. This is especially helpful if there are many people in your house responsible for your pet’s care. Your vet, for example, may give your pet a goal weight to reach if they’re over/under weight or make recommendations on supplements and dog food that you’ll want to remember later. 

How to approach vet costs

When your vet appointment is over, you’ll have to settle up with the front desk. Reports are finding there’s a recent higher cost of vet care due to the advancements in medicine and the correlated increasing cost of medication and supplies. While you may be able to pay your vet bill in full on the day of your appointment, it’s always smart to ask what the payment plan options are in case you get a larger bill in the future. Be sure to consider pet insurance as a way to plan ahead for routine and unexpected vet costs.

Pet Insurance

Our Bivvy coverage is affordable pet insurance for your dog and cat. We have clear coverage and speedy reimbursements to ensure there are no surprises at claim time. Depending on your state, you may also be able to add Bivvy Wellness Care for added routine and preventative care support.

Pet Saving Accounts

Pet parents can also try to save for the cost of vet care without having pet insurance. While this is an option, it’s hard to save the same amount as the annual insurance benefits you can access for covered care. Having pet insurance in addition to a small-dollar savings is account is a smart strategy.

What to do after your appointment

With Bivvy, filing a claim after your vet appointment is easy! You send us a copy of your vet bill, which as a reminder doesn’t need to be paid yet, and we’ll review it for covered claims within two business days. You can go to any licensed vet with Bivvy and we’ll reach out to them if additional background information needed. Your vet doesn’t need to have an existing relationship with Bivvy for your coverage to work!

Using your handy-dandy vet notes, you’ll know how best to support your pet after you get home. For example, if your vet mentioned you should decrease the amount of food your pet receives and suggests a new high-protein brand, you’ll remember to take action.

We’re sure you’re going to knock the socks off of your next vet appointment with a little preparation!