Preparing your Pet for a Stress-Free Home Vet Visit
Bringing the vet to your home can be a wonderful way to reduce stress for your pet, but a little preparation can make the experience even smoother. Here’s how to get ready:
Before the Vet Arrives:
- Tidy Up: While you don’t need to deep clean your house, ensure the area where the vet will examine your pet is clean and free of clutter. This allows the vet to focus on your pet and avoid any potential hazards.
- Comfortable Space: Choose a location where your pet feels safe and relaxed. This might be the living room, bedroom, or even a secure outdoor space, weather permitting.
- Gather Medical History: Have any relevant medical records, vaccination history, and information about current medications readily available for the vet.
- Recent Photos and Videos: If your pet has any specific health concerns, having photos or videos of the issue can be helpful for the vet.
- Potty Break: Take your dog for a walk or ensure your cat has access to their litter box before the vet arrives to avoid accidents during the examination.
For Dogs:
- Leash Up: Have your dog on a leash when the vet arrives, even if they are usually well-behaved. This helps maintain control and prevents any unexpected escapes.
- Skip the Pre-Appointment Walk: If your dog is unwell, avoid a long walk before the appointment as this can mask symptoms or elevate their temperature.
- Muzzle If Necessary: If your dog is known to be anxious or reactive, have a muzzle readily available.
For Cats:
- Confine to One Room: To prevent your cat from hiding or escaping, confine them to a single room with the doors and windows closed.
- Easy Access: Make sure your cat is easily accessible and not hiding under furniture.
- Inform the Vet of Temperament: If your cat is anxious, fractious, or difficult to handle, let the vet know in advance so they can take appropriate precautions.
How We Conduct the Consultation:
- Setting the Scene: Our veterinarian will typically conduct the examination in the area you’ve designated. They may use your bench or table or simply work on the floor, depending on your pet’s needs and comfort level.
- Weight Check: Your pet will be weighed using our portable scales. For larger dogs, we may use the scales in our mobile vet unit.
- Thorough Examination: The vet will perform a comprehensive physical examination, checking your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, coat, and listening to their heart and lungs.
- Your Assistance: The vet may ask for your help in holding or comforting your pet during the examination, especially if they are nervous.
- Open Communication: We encourage you to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have about your pet’s health.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure a comfortable and stress-free home vet visit for both you and your beloved pet.