Whether your Pet requires an annual check-up, medical procedure, has a routine appointment or needs an urgent visit and you are a busy Pet owner, you will want to get the most out of your Vet visit(s).
Your Vet should always offer the highest standard of care and perform a regular health check at each consultation.
The checklist below will assist you get the most out of your vet visit(s) and should eliminate any anxieties you may have which in turn can be projected onto your pet.
PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
- Owner preparation – be organised and plan ahead by having all your questions ready.
- Medication – know what medicine you have in your household and used in the past (keep records).
- Pet preparation – get your pet used to their cage/pod including being handled all over their body.
- Insurance – check your insurance coverage; your pet might only have basic cover for accidents, but won’t be protected for illnesses, surgeries, in-home consultations or rehabilitation.
- Confirm pricing – vet prices vary in different locations, be prepared for extra fees such as diagnostic tests, vaccination, medication and procedures.
DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT OR IF YOUR PET NEEDS TO REMAIN AT THE VET CLINIC
- Wellness Exam – ask your vet to perform a wellness exam which also consists of a musculoskeletal (bones, muscles, tendons, joints) and lymphatic system assessment during each visit which in turn can prevent serious disease.
- Vaccinations – check if your pet needs yearly or 3 yearly vaccinations.
- Microchip – cross reference your pet’s microchip number and personal details to ensure accuracy in case your pet goes missing.
- Zoonoses – animals can pass a range of diseases onto humans, discuss parasite, flea & tick control options with your vet.
- Diet & Nutrition – your pet’s diet is one of the most important key factors in maintaining their health, review both commercial & home cooked options including treats. If your pet is obese, request help with obesity management.
- Dental care – ask your vet to show you how to brush and floss your pet’s teeth.
- Grooming – different dog breeds require diverse amount of grooming, examine regular grooming practices and ask if your vet offers them as an add on service.
- Behaviour – dealing with a difficult pet can be physically and emotionally demanding. Several vet clinics offer puppy training and aid with behavioural problems related to anxiety, stress and fear.
- Senior pets – just like humans, if your pet is senior, ask your vet to perform yearly blood and urine tests.
- Alternative Therapies – natural therapies such as Herbal medicine, Acupuncture, Massage and Chiropractic treatments are a great alternative or a complement when you want to minimise reliance on drugs, inquire if your vet offers those services or can refer you to a qualified and insured practitioner.
- General anaesthetic – if your pet is going under anaesthetic ask your vet to perform any of the tasks you find challenging at home such as nail trim, teeth and ear clean.
- Post-surgery complications – as with human medicine, there is risk with any medical procedure or surgery. Prior to any operation perform research and acquire material pertaining to side effects, recovery period, meds and long-term effects. Build a strong relationship and open communication with your vet, subsequently they will be forthcoming with health advice and Conservative Management.
- Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation – although pre-& post-surgery is a stressful time, it can be comforting and exciting knowing your pet is getting appropriate pain management, individualised exercise program and therapeutic modalities to aid quicker return to normal function. Encourage your vet to refer you to a rehabilitation specialist.
- Safety – obtain general First aid tips and summertime safety advice.
- Emergency / After Hours – confirm if your vet is open after hours or provides home visits in case of an emergency (some veterinary practices will relocate your pet to another facility that provides 24-hour emergency service which will increase your hospital costs).
Support for good health comes in many ways; it includes your pet’s routine medical care, the measures you take to prevent injuries and accidents, your daily observations and your positive energy.
Pet Nurture provides exceptional animal Home Pet Care, Therapeutic modalities and works in conjunction with your Vet to improve and prolong your Pet’s lifespan and Quality of Life.
To find out how Pet Nurture complements your Veterinary clinic, contact Melina on 0403 939 202 or Enquiries@PetNurture.com.au
Disclaimer
Individual blogs are based upon the opinions of the specific author, who retains full copyright. The material is not intended as medical advice, it’s intended as a sharing of knowledge and information.
We are not veterinarians and do not diagnose any conditions, perform surgery or prescribe medications, we can assess the muscles as part of being a Canine Myofunctional Therapist. Muscle therapy is not a replacement for proper veterinary care and any injury or disease must be medically diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. We encourage you to make your own pet health care choices in collaboration with a certified pet health care professional.
