We at Plymouth Veterinary Hospital take great pride in the level of attention, detail, and thoroughness we devote to each and every appointment at our practice. We like to say that coming to our hospital is more like taking your child to the pediatrician than your pet to the vet. That is the AAHA way, after all!
But, just like trips to the pediatrician, your level of involvement in the appointment is what elevates it from helpful and useful to a truly successful visit. The questions you ask on behalf of your pet, the history you provide, and your follow-through at home are the most important things you and your family can do to take our findings and recommendations and turn them into a healthy, happy life for your furry friends. Here are some tips, tricks, and ideas to make your next vet visit one for the record books!
THE SUCCESSFUL VETERINARY APPOINTMENT:
- Success starts at home! Leash your dogs so that they are comfortable and safe. Harnesses are recommended strongly for any pets with neck or back issues, dogs that pull when walking, or just for that level of control that a leash to the collar may not provide. Leave your cat carrier out in the house with treats and toys for at least 3-4 days before your appointment (or permanently as a safe place to nap). This way there is no “grand presentation” to scare them away when you bring out the carrier. Pick up some Adaptil or Feliway spray (natural, soothing pheromones) from Plymouth Veterinary Hospital and spray down the carrier or car before transport for extra calming assistance.
- A well-restrained or contained pet is a safe pet whenever you are out of the house. Keep a strong hold on your pet whenever it is somewhere other than the house, the exam room, or in the car.
- For our canine patients, arrive a little early for your appointment so you two can take a walk up and down the sidewalk before entering the practice. This allows your pooch to urinate and defecate if needed, reducing the possibility of nervous accidents during your visit inside.
- For patients that are having urinary problems or digestive issues, if you have not been able to collect a specimen sample before arriving to your appointment, keep your pet in the car and let the hospital staff know you have arrived. This allows us to pop out and try to collect the needed samples before you even set foot in the door!
- If you are a new or returning client or patient, be sure to bring your pet’s previous veterinary history to the appointment. You can also let the receptionist know where else you have been when you make the appointment; this allows us to get the history beforehand so we are well-prepared when you and your fuzzy buddy arrive.
- If you have had any changes in your contact information (last name, address, phone, email), let the receptionist know immediately. We do a lot of client contact at our hospital, so keeping your information up to date is of prime importance.
- Bring the names, doses, and even the actual containers of all the medication your pet is taking (including any human medications you may be giving). This gives us great insight into your pet’s health.
- Bring notes about your pet’s condition, questions for the hospital staff, photos and videos of episodes you have witnessed (seizures, behavior anomalies, etc., or even awesome stories that you just love to share. Any information is useful information.
- Be honest. If you are giving human medications to your pet, tell us. If you think your pet got into or ate something unusual, dangerous, or even illegal, tell us. Our only goal every day is to protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of your best friend. We are not here to judge, only to make sure your pet is safe and healthy. Your honesty is the most important aspect of the whole veterinary visit.
- Listen carefully and ask as many questions as you need to understand what is going on, what our recommendations are, and what you can do to carry them out at home. From the basics like at home dental care and monthly preventive medications to surgical discharge instructions and how to care for a chronically ill pet, we give you a lot of information every time we see each other. But none of our recommendations or instructions will be of any use if you aren’t fully confident in carrying them out. Any time you are unsure about something we are saying, something we have sent home, or why we are recommending what we are recommending, ASK. We love our pet owners to be informed and self-assured when it comes to their furry friends, and are always at the ready to get you the answers you need.
- Remain calm during the visit. Pets are extremely sensitive to the emotions of those around them, so keeping a low-key, relaxed air in the exam room helps them to be more receptive to the help the hospital staff wants to give. If your pet is healthy and doesn’t need to be fasted for the appointment, bring their favorite treats and reward them for good behavior.
- Schedule your next appointment at check out. The very act of getting an appointment on the books (whether it’s a recheck in 2 weeks or a vaccine appointment in 4 months) makes it just that more likely that you’ll get your pet’s next services done on time and when they need it.
- Follow up with any recommended exams, blood work, dental procedures, etc. These recommendations are designed to maintain or improve the health and quality of life of your furry friend. Stay on top of these recommendations and you and your pet can have a long, happy, healthy life together!
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From annual wellness exams to general vaccine appointments, acute onset to chronic illness, this list can make sure that you are not only getting your money’s worth…you are also doing everything you can to give your pet a healthy, happy, active life. Look at your next veterinary appointment as an opportunity. An opportunity to become the best, most well-informed caretaker of your best friend. Your pets may not be able to speak for themselves, but your voice is loud and strong. We look forward to hearing it at your next appointment.
Call Plymouth Veterinary Hospital today at 734-453-0485 to discuss how your next veterinary visit can be a success!
Happy Tails!