Veterinary visits can be stressful for so many reasons. It wasn’t until I stopped working for a veterinary clinic and had to take my dog for a sick visit, that I realized how stressful this can be for pet owners as well as their pet. Having worked behind the scenes at a vet clinic for over 20 years, this was the first time that I truly understood what it feels like for pet owners to be on that side of the exam table.
Can you relate to any of these concerns?
- Will they be annoyed if I bring a list of questions?
- What if I’m unsure about the treatment plan my vet proposed; will they judge me for asking to wait on a certain test or treatment?
- Will I be able to afford the recommended treatment?
- My pet gets really stressed out when I take them to the vet; I’d rather not go at all.
With all of these emotions and concerns, it’s no surprise that bringing your pet to the vet can be stressful. So let’s shed some light on how we can get the most out of these visits and make them a positive experience for you and your pet.
Information to write down/bring with you:
- Take a picture of your pets food bag & know how much you are serving your pet each day
- Lumps and bumps can be easy to find at home and impossible to find when at the vet. I recommend marking these with a Sharpie or small dot of nail polish.
- List of medications and supplements (including flea/tick/heartworm prevention)
- Vaccination history (especially if going to a different veterinarian)
- List any lifestyle notes regarding boarding, grooming, travel, obedience, etc
- List any behavior questions or concerns
- List changes in appetite, mobility, urination or bowel habits
- List symptoms, when you first noticed them, and any changes since then
Tell your vet everything!
Regardless of the reason for your pet’s visit, it is vital that you share as much information as possible with your vet. You know your pet best, and any unusual changes or behaviors are key to diagnosing what is wrong with your pet. The patient can’t speak for themselves, so be sure to give your vet all the information!
Sometimes pets do the unexpected, leaving pet owners in an embarrassing situation. Trust me, your veterinarian has heard it all! If you are in one of these situations, don’t withhold the truth. They aren’t interested in judging you, and can’t make the correct diagnosis or treatment without knowing all the details.
It’s ok to ask questions and keep asking until you feel comfortable with the explanation.
Your veterinarian doesn’t want you to leave the appointment confused or unsure about the diagnosis or treatment plan. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and be sure to tell them if you don’t understand something so they can better explain it. If you’re uncomfortable with any instructions for at-home care, be sure to let them know. Your veterinary team wants you to leave feeling confident and happy with your visit.
As a pet owner, veterinary visits are unavoidable. Bringing a list of prepared questions and information to share with your veterinary team will make these visits less stressful for everyone. The most important thing to remember is, your veterinarian wants to keep your pet healthy and they rely on pet owners to be their pets voice.
What is the hardest part about taking your pet to the veterinarian? We’d love to hear from you!
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