by Gigi McWhirter
Taking your pet to the vet’s office for their wellness checks can be a bit of an adventure. Here are a few tips to help make the trip more beneficial for your pet, you and the veterinary team.
- Have your dog on a leash, not a retractable one, for your pet’s and everyone else’s safety.
- Cats should always be in a carrier. Soft-sided carriers are usually the easiest to get the cat in and out of.
- Bring a fresh urine sample. There are videos online showing how to catch urine on both dogs and cats.
- Bring a fresh stool sample. It only needs to be about the size of your thumb nail. (The doctor may not need either sample for this visit, but bring it, just in case.)
- Give your doggie a little work out before the visit. This could help get rid of some of that nervous energy and make the visit better for everyone!
- Bring their favorite treats. Give them a treat for their good behavior.
- Bring a list of everything you feed your pet. A picture of the label(s) would be perfect!
- Don’t feed your pet too close to the appointment time. This can help keep the animal more receptive to wanting the treat you are offering for good behavior or in case the doctor wants to do certain blood work.
- Bring a list of questions for the doctor.
- If this is your pet’s first visit, let the doctor know if you are the actual owner of the pet or a caretaker doing the owner a favor by bringing their pet into the office. This will help the doctor and staff know who they are talking to and communicate recommendations accordingly.
- If your pet has received vaccines or treatment elsewhere since their last visit, bring a copy of the records so records can be updated.
- Ask to have your pet’s microchip scanned and make sure to update your contact information.
A bonus tip: Bring a brand-new toy for your pet. When you arrive, and without your pet seeing it, give the gift to a member of the vet team. At the end of the visit, they will give your pet the new treasure — the reaction can be priceless.
Happy Tails to you!
