Portuguese at the Vet: Explain Your Pet’s Needs in Brazil
Use clear phrases to identify your pet, describe what you noticed, and check that you understood the vet’s directions.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
At a veterinary clinic, begin with a simple request: preciso marcar uma consulta (I need to schedule an appointment). Say whether the pet is a dog or cat, give its name, and ask what times are available.
Make an appointment and identify your pet
Cachorro means dog, gato means cat, and veterinário or veterinária refers to a veterinarian. If your pet uses medication or has a known condition, bring the relevant information and explain it clearly to the professional.
Preciso marcar uma consulta para o meu cachorro.
I need to schedule an appointment for my dog.
O nome dele é Bento.
His name is Bento.
Quais horários estão disponíveis?
What times are available?
Describe what you observed
Describe what you noticed and when it began. Avoid diagnosing the problem in Portuguese; give the veterinarian specific observations, such as when your pet ate or what behavior changed.
Use desde (since/for) with a starting point or há with a duration. A short timeline can help you explain what changed without guessing about the cause.
Ele começou a tossir ontem.
He started coughing yesterday.
Ela não comeu hoje de manhã.
She didn’t eat this morning.
Isso acontece há dois dias.
This has been happening for two days.
Check the instructions before you leave
If you miss a detail, ask the veterinarian to repeat it or write it down. You can confirm the time, amount, or next appointment in your own words so the professional can correct a misunderstanding.
Follow the veterinarian’s advice for your pet. These expressions support communication; they are not medical guidance or a substitute for a professional evaluation.
Pode repetir a orientação, por favor?
Could you repeat the instructions, please?
Vou dar este remédio duas vezes por dia, certo?
I’ll give this medicine twice a day, right?
Quando devo voltar?
When should I come back?
Put it into practice
Prepare your pet’s name, the date a change began, and one question about the next step. Ask the veterinarian to clarify anything you did not understand.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “She didn’t eat this morning”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.