Going to the vet for a routine visit or for other health problems is a stressful experience for any pet. Some people realize the upcoming visit just by observing your attitudes or even before getting in the car. For a stress-free visit to the vet, read the article and follow the steps.
Steps
Step 1. Get the animal used to being touched to make it feel more comfortable on the day of the visit
The animal must get used to having its tail raised, to be moved and moved and to have paws and nails touched. In addition, it is useful to get him used to transporting by car as a puppy. This way he will be less nervous, so the vet will be able to examine him carefully and administer any medicines.
Step 2. Keep the animal in the cage or tie it up
For a safe journey by car and for the safety of both, it is very important to limit the movements of the animal during transport. For cats, rabbits, rodents and small dogs, a cage will be fine; while for large dogs it is necessary to use a safety belt for animals, or put them in the trunk of the car. Upon arrival at the vet, do not leave the dog free to roam, but keep him in his cage or on a leash, as it is very likely that there are other animals in the clinic with which he could argue.
Step 3. Make a note
If you have noticed unusual behavior in the animal, it is a good idea to note the symptoms you have encountered, such as lack of appetite, vomiting, strange noises, or if the animal often bites or licks a certain area of the body. This way you will be able to provide accurate information to the vet, such as the duration of the problem, the exact symptoms and reactions you may have noticed.
Step 4. Ask the veterinary clinic receptionist for advice on how to prepare for the appointment
Explain the problem in broad terms, then ask if you need to bring a urine or feces sample with you, if you can feed the animal, or something else.
Step 5. Take an active part in the visit
Sometimes, due to our anxieties and worries about our little friend's health, it can happen that we forget some questions that came to mind at home. Taking notes should solve the problem, but remember a few things to discuss with your vet, such as:
- Talk about its nutrition. Especially during routine visits, if the veterinarian is not the first to ask, he talks about the animal's diet. In fact, over time, food needs change, so a discussion with a specialist may be useful.
- Discuss dental hygiene. We often forget how important dental care is also for our four-legged friends. Ask your veterinarian for advice on which foods are recommended for their dental health, and remember that teeth cleaning in animals is a procedure to be carried out with general anesthesia. Consequently, it is useful to address this issue as soon as possible.
- Discuss any issues you encounter while grooming. If your pet's long coat is a problem, ask your vet for advice on how to care for them. It is essential to know the correct procedure to avoid harming the animal; for example, some breeds tend to have shaggy fur and, sometimes, the only solution is to make the animal fall asleep to remove the knots.
Step 6. Remember the vaccinations to do
Always carry your health card with you to check the status of your vaccinations; also, it is very useful if you change vet.
Step 7. Ask the vet to show you how to administer the medicines
Don't be afraid to ask, your vet will be more than happy to explain how to take care of your pet. If you can afford frequent visits and if you prefer, have the treatment administered directly at the clinic.
Step 8. If your dog is agitated or frightened, DO NOT pet him or tell him "it's okay"
The risk is that he associates negative behavior with being rewarded, so he will think that his agitation is appropriate. Rather, tell him "No", and if the vet needs to give an injection, help him by holding him calmly but firmly.
Step 9. If the animal ingests foods that you think may be dangerous for its health, take the food package with you and mark the amount it has eaten
Step 10. Explain the symptoms to the vet
For a correct diagnosis and therefore for an effective treatment, it is very important to expose all the symptoms to the vet, even those that you think are the most trivial.
Advice
- Take care of the animal's hygiene; some need grooming every 6-8 weeks; others (especially long-haired dogs) need to be groomed by professionals. Groom the animal at least a day or two before the visit.
- If your dog has suffered from vomiting, dysentery or has problems urinating, take a sample with you to the clinic and have him do the toilet before the visit.
- If the animal is particularly nervous before the visits, try to bring something with you that will calm it down, such as a toy, a bone, etc.
- Make sure your dog knows the basic commands, such as "sit", "stop" and "no", to simplify the visit.
- Discuss the purchase of medicines with the veterinarian; some medicines may cost less when bought online or from other retailers. However, these retailers are not always reliable, and it may happen that these medicines have not been stored correctly as in the clinic. Always talk to your vet.
- Take note of your questions on your phone, then set an alarm to remind yourself what you wanted to ask on the day of your visit.
- Know that kittens or dogs need to receive several vaccinations in the first few months of life. Calculate around three visits and take the economic side into account.
Warnings
- To organize your expenses, always ask for the cost of the procedures, including subsequent checkups. Prices may vary a lot, so it is important to know the economic impact this will have on your finances.
- Make sure your dog is not suffering from fleas or ticks before the visit. These parasites spread easily and can attack other animals. Wash the dog with specific products, then apply a flea vial monthly, such as Advantix or Frontline. Always clean the pet's kennel and disinfect the house if necessary.
- If you think that the veterinarian should X-ray the animal, do not feed it before the visit. Food, in fact, could compromise the vision of some organs, such as the stomach, intestines and bladder.
