Preparations When Taking Your Dog Or Cat To A Veterinarian
Posted on: 4 August 2017
Dogs and cats need regular veterinary care to be healthy and have happy lives. Depending on your pet's age, physical condition, and medical history, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself and your pet for regular veterinary appointments. Here are a few things to consider before taking your dog or cat to the veterinary hospital:
First Appointment With a New Veterinarian: If you are bringing your dog or cat into a new veterinarian, bring any records you may have from previous veterinary visits with other vets. Tell your veterinarian of any previous surgeries or illnesses that your pet may have had, and bring in any medications that have been previously prescribed and given to your pet. Tell your new veterinarian of any problems your pet is having along with a timeline for when these problems started so that they can be noted on their care record.
Annual or Semi-Annual Appointment: If you are bringing your pet to a veterinarian for an annual or semi-annual appointment, ask the veterinary staff how to prepare for your particular appointment. You may be asked to bring in a stool sample for testing, so it is best to bring in the most recent stool for this purpose. You may be requested to not feed your pet for a 3 - 12 hours prior to their appointment if your veterinarian will be taking radiographs or a blood sample. Try to keep your pet inside prior to the veterinary appointment so that the staff can take a urine sample if needed.
Injury Appointment: If your dog or cat has been injured, try to keep them calm and call a nearby veterinary clinic for permission to bring them to the office. The staff may ask several questions to determine the extent of the injury and may ask tell you how to care for your pet while you bring him or her to the veterinary hospital. If your pet is having trouble breathing, is bleeding, or is having seizures, you may want to take them immediately to a veterinary hospital but it is best to call first to tell them that you are coming to the office. If your dog or cat has been bitten by an insect, try to catch the insect to bring with you but do not put yourself in harm's way to do so.
Follow-Up Appointment: If this is a follow-up visit to the veterinarian for your dog or cat, bring any notes you have regarding how your pet has been doing and if there is has been any change in their actions or behavior. If you have any questions or concerns, ask the veterinarian during the appointment and ask when you should bring your pet to the office for another visit.
When bringing your pet to the vet, always keep your dog or cat on a leash or in a pet carrier. This will keep your pet safe when in the presence of other animals and strangers who may be there. It also helps to keep your pet calm as they can feel your presence and are familiar with their carrier. With a bit of preparation, both you and your pet can be ready for a veterinary appointment to keep your dog or cat healthy and happy with regular veterinary care.
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