Tips For Taking Your Pet To The Vet

If you have a pet, you have undoubtedly made several trips to your local vet. Animals are just like humans in that they get sick and injured. They also need annual checkups and booster shots. This sounds simple enough, but many pets fear the vet's office and will make every effort to avoid actually having to see the vet. For very small animals this may not be a problem, but for larger pets, this can make things quite difficult. Of course, you want the best for your pet, but unfortunately, they do not always have the ability to understand and let their fear overtake them. This fear brings with it one of three possible responses. The first possible response is for the animal to quiver and cower in their fear, staying as close to their human as possible. Next, the animal may try to flee the situation by getting loose if possible and running away. This option is difficult no matter where you are when it happens, but if you are at the vet's office, there is a chance of damage being caused or for someone to open the door and the animal escape. The third possible response is when the animal begins lashing out at anything or anyone that comes near it. This response always brings with it the likelihood that the animal will employ their defense mechanisms. Biting, stinging, pricking, clawing, whatever that animal uses as a defense will be used in this last type of response as an attempt to get away from what they feel is a threat. Here, you will find a myriad of tips and tricks to make taking your pet to the vet easier.

The first tip is to find the best way to restrain your particular pet. For any reptile, you need to use a portable habitat. These are relatively inexpensive and readily accessible if you do not already have, purchase one at the first opportunity. This is a product that will be useful for as long as you have the reptile. Be sure to purchase one that can fit the reptile comfortably. For birds, be sure to have a travel cage on hand, not only for vet visits but also for any type of trip. If you have a small mammal such as a hamster, mouse, gerbil, use a portable container similar to the ones used for reptiles. Again, it is a good idea to have one of these on hand at all times. This is a great item to use when you need to clean the main habitat. For cats, the best bet is generally a travel carrier. They can be bought anywhere pet supplies are sold. If the cat is calm enough, you may be able to consider a leash, but very few cats are calm enough for that. For dogs, you will have to assess your specific dog. Very small dogs may be able to be held, but a carrier is the safest choice. It is difficult to find a carrier that can accommodate an incredibly large dog, even if you do find one, it is likely that you will not be able to carry it. In this case, you will have to use a leash, but a collar is generally not the best option. When taking a dog on only a leash, you should always use a harness. This allows for more control, it is more comfortable for the dog if you have to pull on it, and there is less chance of the dog getting loose. Keeping your pet properly restrained is key to all veterinarian visits. That way, if anything happens, even if it is with someone else's pet, you will be able to control your pet.

The second tip is to be prepared for a trip to the vet at any time. If the visit is a routine checkup, you will have plenty of time to organize and prepare, but in the terrible occurrence of an emergency, there will be no time to spare. Because of this, it is best to be prepared and be ready to go at any time. There are a few ways to do this. If you have insurance on your pet, make sure you have your documentation handy. Also, keep your carrier or harness ready to go whenever you may need it. Keep everything in the same place so that you do not have to spend precious time looking for the things you need. A visit to the vet is often stressful enough, you do not want to add to the stress level by having to search for the things that you need for the visit. If your pet is on any medication, you may need to take the bottles or at least a list with you to appointments. The best practice is to write down the name of each medication along with the dosage and the time of day it is administered. Place the paper in your wallet, handbag, briefcase, car glove box, or anywhere that you will have it with you the majority of the time. Another good choice is to use a note app on your smartphone to create the medication list.

The next tip is for anyone with an overly hyper or easily agitated pet, especially a canine. If your pet is overly upset every time they have to see the vet. consider talking to your veterinarian about a mild sedative. For various reasons, this will not be an option for all pets, but it is worth a conversation with the vet to find out.

Finally, find little ways to keep your calm. This may come in the form of taking a favorite toy that they can hold or chew or snuggle. It may also be simply letting them stay by your side or in your lap. It may also be stroking the animal and talking to it while you wait. Depending on the exact situation, you may also want to speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of house calls. Not all vets will make house calls, but some will and there is no harm in asking.