GUIDE SHEET #1: Questions to Ask the Vet When My Dear Dog Is Sick

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Guide Sheet #1

In the ASK YOUR VET section of our Saying Goodbye to Your Dear Dog: 10 Questions to Help You Decide When to Euthanize guidebook, we discuss how to get the most out of your vet visits and when to seek a second opinion or veterinary specialist.

The first place to start is with a diagnosis from your current vet. Guide Sheet #1 will help you know what questions to ask.

Before Your Vet Appointment

Heading into a veterinary appointment prepared makes everything go smoother. It ensures you get the answers you need, and let’s you relax enough to focus on what the vet is saying. Spend a little time now preparing with these tips:

  1. Read through Guide Sheet #1 and highlight the questions you’d like to ask.
  2. Write any questions of your own at the bottom of Guide Sheet #1.

During Your Vet Appointment

Here are a few suggestions for getting the most out of your next vet appointment:

  1. Bring Guide Sheet #1 to your vet appointment and write in your vet’s responses to the questions, as well as your own notes.
  2. Be direct and ask for clarification — as many times as necessary.
  3. Ask about euthanasia services now so you have the info for the future.
  4. Bring along a trusted friend or family member.
  5. Get copies of lab reports and test results.
  6. Place Guide Sheet #1, lab reports, test results, and any of your own notes into your Dear Dog binder.

If you’ve already been to the vet and received a diagnosis, fill out Guide Sheet #1 based on that visit.

After Your Vet Appointment

When you get home after your vet appointment, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Did the vet or staff give me adequate information?
  • Did the vet or staff spend enough time answering my questions?
  • Did the vet or staff take me and my concerns seriously?

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, you probably feel comfortable with your vet. It’s wonderful to have a vet you trust who is easy to talk to! Send them a thank you note.

If you answered “no” to any of the 3 questions above, feel free to find another vet. You and your furkid deserve kindness, patience, and clear communication now more than ever.

Mike and I made the mistake of sticking with a vet we didn’t understand or trust. If you’d like to read more, see “5 Things We Wish We’d Done Differently Before Euthanizing Our Dear Dog Kali.”