No two pets are the same, which makes being a pet owner equally rewarding and challenging. No matter the quirks or temperament of your pet, though, part of your responsibility is to keep them happy and in good health. In addition to a balanced, nutritious diet and exercise, your vet is an important resource for maintaining good health in your pet.
Have you noticed changes in your pet’s behavior? Maybe they have been sneezing more often. Is it just seasonal allergies, or could it be something else? Has your pet gained excess weight recently? They may be eating the wrong type of food or not getting enough exercise. There are often certain dietary or environmental reasons for the changes in your pet’s behavior, which your vet can help you better understand.
Finding the right questions to ask can be the hardest part of speaking with your vet about your pet's health. Here are ten questions on common pet health conditions to help start the conversation.
- How can I tell if my pet is not feeling well?
- What are some ways I can keep my pet healthy at any age?
- How do I keep my pet’s teeth healthy?
- At what age is my pet considered "senior" and what does that mean for their lifestyle? Are there particular health concerns we should be monitoring for my pet as they get older?
- Are there any breed-specific health problems that my pet is prone to (especially for dogs)?
- What's my pet’s healthy weight range? Is it ok to give them treats?
- Why is my pet scratching and licking their coat so much?
- My cat has been going outside of the litter box. What's causing this?
- My dog likes to chew on (or get into) everything. How do I stop this?
- How do I house train my dog?
Just like people, pets benefit from a healthy, happy lifestyle that allows them to do the things they love (even if all they really love to do is bask in warm sunlight). Simply paying attention to small changes in behavior and asking your vet questions about them can make a difference in keeping your dog or cat in good health.
Tasty Tips
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Related articles
Pet Sitter Checklist: 7 Essential Items
If you have a new sitter for your furry friend, use our pet sitter checklist to ensure they know your pet's essential info & exactly how to care for them.
Finding a Pet Sitter: Tips for Finding One You Can Trust
Knowing how to find a pet sitter who's right for you and your pet can be hard. Follow our tips to help you search for, evaluate and choose a great sitter.
Virtual Vet Visits: What You Need to Know
Learn the ins and outs of a televet appointment before you talk to a vet online.
Items to Keep in Your Pet Emergency Kit
Whether a storm hits or your pet becomes injured or sick, learn how to be ready with a well-stocked first-aid pet emergency kit.
Should You Microchip Your Pet?
Should you microchip your pet? Learn how this technology works, what your pet can expect at the vet and other ways to keep track of your furry friend.
How to Reduce Your Pet's Carbon Paw Print
Headed outside? How you and your pets engage with nature can affect the environment, so here are some quick tips for reducing your pet's carbon paw print.
What do animal shelters do?
An animal shelter near you takes in homeless animals. Learn how it shows animals in shelters aren't there for behavioral or medical problems, and many make healthy pets in loving homes.
How to Perform CPR on Dogs & Cats
Knowing how to perform CPR on a dog or cat can potentially save your pet's life. Learn the step-by-step instructions you need to know.
Does Shaving a Pet for Summer Keep Them Cooler?
While it might seem logical that shaving your pet during the hot summer months would keep them cooler, learn why this practice usually isn't a good idea.
Can Dogs and Cats Eat Butter?
Learn all about whether butter is safe for your dog or cat and what to do if they eat it.
How to Become a Pet Nutritionist or Vet
Want to know how to become a vet or a pet nutritionist? Learn the basics from veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly, including education requirements & specialties.
Antioxidants
Understand the importance of antioxidants in your dog or cat's food, and how they can help protect your pet and keep them healthy.
What to Do for a Dog or Cat Tail Injury
Worried if your cat or dog has a broken tail? Learn if it's actually possible for your pet to break their tail and what to do if you suspect an injury.
Dogs & Cat Toothpaste, Toothbrushes & Brushing Tips
Dogs & Cat Toothpaste, Toothbrushes & Brushing Tips
Moving With a Pet: A How-To Guide
Discover helpful tips for moving with your pet including safety recommendations to keep in mind on moving day & pet behavior to watch for at your new home.
Water
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
How the Loss of a Pet Affects Your Other Pets
Discover how your pets might be impacted by the loss of another. Learn how to recognize their signs of grieving & how to help them cope with their loss.
What You Should Know About Pet Food Calories
Learn how to determine how many calories your dog or cat needs each day, as well as how to count their calories and what to do if they're getting too many.
Fats
Discover the benefits of dietary fats and fatty acids in your pet's food, and how they are important to the overall health of your pet.
Vet Recommended Pet Food Explained
Vet recommended. You see the words on everything from pet food to flea medication. But what does it mean and why should you pay attention?
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.