Dr Anne Fawcett column: Things the vet needs to know to treat your pet

THE more specific information you can provide, the better your vet will be able to tailor treatment, explains Dr Anne Fawcett in her latest column.

The more details you can give about your pet the better. Picture: iStock

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WHEN you visit your vet, the veterinary team will ask you a few questions about your pet to determine the most appropriate treatment.

The more specific information you can provide, the better your vet will be able to tailor treatment. But it can be challenging to remember every detail, especially when you have an unwell animal.

1. OTHER VETS: Aside from your pet, it is useful to let your vet know in advance of any other vets you have visited so the records can be requested and reviewed.

Don’t forget to tell the vet if you have visited other vets in the past. Picture: iStock

2. OVERSEAS TRAVEL: If your pet has travelled internationally, records from overseas vets are important.

3. OTHER MEDIATION: If your pet is on medication (including flea, tick and heartworm prevention), complementary therapies or supplements, it is helpful to know the dose, frequency of administration and length of the course.

Some owners bring a bag of medication in so the vet can identify these. This is very important as some drugs interact with each other. Even natural supplements can interact with prescription medications.

4. DIET: When it comes to diet, it also helps if you can tell your vet which foods your pet eats (even occasional treats) . It all helps your vet build a picture of your pet’s health status, and tailor their recommendations.

Dr Anne Fawcett is a lecturer in veterinary science at the University of Sydney and a veterinarian with Sydney Animal Hospitals Inner West.

Read her blog: smallanimaltalk.com

Tell the vet what diet your cat is on, including the occational treat. Picture: iStock