Welcoming a new furry friend into your home is an exciting adventure filled with love and companionship. As a responsible pet owner, one of your initial tasks is to schedule a visit to the veterinarian. This first visit is crucial for establishing a baseline of your pet’s health and ensuring they receive the best possible care. You should take your furry friend to the best vets in Hertfordshire.

Here are five key questions to ask your vet to make the most of this important appointment.

Common questions to ask a vet for the first time

Understanding your pet’s vaccination needs is fundamental. Vaccinations protect against various diseases. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle and confirm which vaccinations are essential. You should also discuss any additional vaccines that may be beneficial based on your pet’s circumstances.

A well-balanced diet is vital for ensuring your pet lives a long and healthy life. Ask your vet about the best nutrition plan for your furry friend. They will help you by considering age, weight, and health concerns. Whether you’re feeding commercial pet food or considering a homemade diet, your vet can guide you to ensure your pet receives the necessary nutrients.

Dental care is often overlooked but significantly affects your pet’s overall health. You should ask about the importance of dental hygiene and ways to maintain it at home. Your vet can recommend dental treats and proper teeth brushing techniques.

Parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and worms, can pose serious health risks to your pet. Discuss the most effective parasite prevention measures with your vet. This may include regular flea and tick treatments, deworming schedules, and advice on avoiding common environmental risks.

Early detection of health issues is crucial for prompt intervention and successful treatment. Ask your vet about the common signs of illness in your pet, including changes in behaviour, appetite, or bathroom habits. Understanding what is normal for your pet will help you recognize abnormalities early on, enabling swift action to address potential health concerns.

Book your appointment with Henlow Vets, a trusted vets in Hertfordshire for your pets. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency care. Contact us today to find out more.

Dr Andre Costa Pereira

Orthopaedic & Soft Tissue Expert

DVM MSc PGcertEAMS PGcertVPS certAVP-GSAS MRCVS
Andre graduated in 2011 and has been working
in the UK since 2013.

Since moving to the UK he has been working in busy hospitals, while training for his certificate in order to ensure high surgical caseload. For the past 3 years he has been the lead surgeon for a large group taking surgical referrals from the other clinics within the group.

He has attended many international congresses and courses to be up to speed with the most recent techniques and has trained with some of the best surgeons in the field.


He enjoys all aspects of soft tissue and orthopedics, but has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) and traumatology.

He has a certificate in Advanced Veterinary Surgery and is an Advanced Practitioner in small animal surgery.

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