3 Ways to Make Check-Ups Easier on Your Pets and Vets

Taking your pet for a veterinarian checkup should not result in all-out war between you and your pet, or the pet and vet. A routine exam or vaccination visit should go smoothly for everyone involved. However, if your pet balks at going to the vet, here are a few tips that may help. Schedule the Best Time of Day Like humans, some pets are better behaved in the morning and others show their best side in the late afternoon. If your pet does better at a certain time of time of day, schedule your vet visit then. Veterinarian offices, too, often get busier at certain times. Try to make an appointment for your pet when the clinic is less busy to avoid a pet getting excited, territorial, or distressed. Since they are usually on a leash or in a kennel in relatively unfamiliar surroundings, other distractions should be kept to a minimum when possible. Prepare Your Pet Make sure your pet has eaten and has been toileted before the vet visit, unless you have been instructed to prep your pet otherwise. Grooming your pet in advance is probably welcome by most veterinarians. Clean the transport kennel and lay clean paper inside in case of an accident, unless your pet is traveling unrestrained in a vehicle. Then it may be a good idea to lay newspaper on the floor of the vehicle. Have the collar and leash ready if needed so you won’t have to spend time searching for them at the last minute. Be affectionate and reassuring to your pet to instill calm and comfort. Take a list of your pet’s medications, if any, along with your questions or concerns and the pet’s symptoms if something seems out of order. Consult a Vet Specialist Sometimes a pet cannot receive adequate treatment from an average vet visit. In such cases it is a good idea to consult a vet specialist who has experience performing special procedures and providing treatment for uncommon ailments. These vets usually only see patients that are referred to them by general practicing veterinarians. If your pet has been suffering from a sickness or injury for a long time, this may be the only way to help them feel better. Your pet deserves quality veterinarian care and services. Plan the vet visit in advance to have your pet and supplies ready for the appointment. Animals, like us, may need coaching to warm up to their medical providers, so remember to be patient.