Taking your cat to the vet can be stressful for everyone involved—your pet, other pets in the clinic and even the clinic staff. By being thoughtful and prepared, you can help create a more positive experience for all.
Here are 10 tips for you in planning a Trip to the Vet: How to Be Considerate with Your Pet.
A little kindness goes a long way in keeping the vet visit smooth and stress-free! By following these tips, you can ensure a smoother, more pleasant experience for your cat and everyone else at the clinic!💙
Use a Proper Carrier or Leash
Always transport cat in a secure, well-ventilated carrier. This keeps them safe and reduces their stress during travel and in the waiting room. Dogs should be on a secure leash or harness, without long leads for them to sniff around other pets or stressed cats in carriers. This prevents escapes and keeps them safe around other animals.
Minimize Stress During Travel
For cats, cover the carrier with a cloth to block visual stressors. For dogs, bring familiar toys or blankets. Using calming sprays or pheromone products (e.g. Feliway) may be able help both pets feel more at ease. If your pet gets stressed during travel, you may need to practice ahead to get him used to being in a car.
Schedule Ahead
Unless it's an emergency, book an appointment in advance and arrive on time. This helps the clinic stay on schedule and minimizes wait times for everyone. Be prepared to wait despite having an appointment as many patients may be waiting to see that one vet.
Following Feeding or Fasting Instructions
Skip feeding your pet right before the visit (unless instructed otherwise) to prevents nausea during travel. Fast the pet for the advised duration if the pet needs to be sedated or have special bloodwork or tests/scans done that require fasting. By not following specific instructions, not only are you wasting everyone's time, but you may have stressed out your pet for no good reason as you will likely have to return again another day.
Be Aware of Other Pets
Not all animals in the clinic are friendly or healthy. Keep your dog on a short leash and your cat in their carrier. Maintain a safe distance from other pets to avoid unnecessary stress or conflicts, aggression or accidental contact.
Prepare Information About Your Pet
Bring notes on your pet’s medical history, symptoms or behavioral changes. This ensures you don’t miss anything during discussions with the vet. If your cat was seeing another clinic, ensure that the history has been properly conveyed to the current clinic. Write down notes beforehand to avoid forgetting important details.
I cannot begin to tell you how many clients have brought a UTI cat to a clinic but failed to mention that the cat has been peeing more than 6 times a day.
Respect the Clinic Staff
Be patient and polite, even during busy times. Veterinary staff work hard to care for your pets, and kindness goes a long way in creating a positive experience. Write down notes on what was communicated by the vet, as they may not be able to recall your pet or it's history by heart.
Clean Up After Your Pet
If your pet has an accident, alert the staff immediately. Be considerate and help maintain a clean, safe environment for everyone. Do not leave your pet's half eaten or uneaten treats on the ground, expecting the staff to pick up after you.
Bring Treats and Comfort Items
A favorite blanket, toy, or treats can help both cats and dogs feel more secure and rewarded after their vet visit.
Check Everything Before Leaving
Ensure that you were billed correctly, have taken all the medication and test results for your pet and have made your next appointment. If your pet has to be referred for more tests or to an external specialist, ensure all appointments are in order.
That said, veterinary staff should also use their initiative and explain instructions clearly and ensure smooth service, such as correct billing and dispensing correct medication and dosages.
Downloadable Infographics on Instagram: @thecatwhisperersg
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