Preparing for a visit to the vet
Going to the vet regularly is one of the most important aspects of pet ownership. However, are there ways we can be better prepared to visit the vet? Yes!
Why should we be concerned with being prepared? Whether your first visit or an annual visit, there are two major reasons a little preparing can help you have a productive trip to the vet:
Less stress! Whether you notice it or not, your pet feed off your energy. Your pet can sense when you’re prepared and know what to expect.
Better conversations with the vet. By thinking through possible questions or even writing down some observations you’ve had ahead of time, you’ll be able to provide more accurate answers that will help the veterinarian give a better assessment of your pets health.
DISCLAIMER: Funky Bunch Pet Care, LLC is not a veterinarian for specific advice regarding how your vet deals with visit, contact the,
Vet Visit Checklist
As with all scheduled appointments, plan on arriving 5-10 minutes before it starts. Arriving early helps in case the appointment before yours ends early or if there is paperwork to fill out. It also helps to avoid rushing, which elevates stress for you and your pet. The less stress you can bring into the vet office, the better the visit will be for everyone.
What to Bring
When going to the vet, you need to make sure to…
Have your dog on a leash.
Have a muzzle on your dog if they have a biting history.
Have your cat already in a carrier.
Bring along previous vet / health records, especially if you’re following up on a specific concern.
LOTS of treats to reward good behaviour and keep them occupied.
Questions to be Prepared to Answer
Your vet is going to ask you questions about your pet’s health since your last visit. Taking a few moments to think through the following questions before you arrive will help give the most accurate responses. If you have them, bring any notes you’ve taken on their behavior or concerns you may have (Questions provided by The Good Old Dog)
Is your pet drinking more water than usual? Less water than usual?
Is your pet urinating more?
Have there been any changes in appetite?
Have they had any challenges eating?
Are there any changes in tolerance to exercise or any form of physical activity?
Does your pet make any new or different noises while breathing?
Has the sounds of their bark or meow changed?
Has your pet experiences episodes of vomiting or diarrhea?
Does your pets coat (fur) look different? Thinner? Dryer? Patchy?
Is your pet as eager to greet people or other dogs?
Have they been limping?
Are there any new bumps/lumps on your pet’s body?
Preparing doesn’t take much time and goes a long way to making sure you and your pet have the best visit.
How do you prepare to visit the vet?
