We understand that not all pets relish the thought of visiting us.  To be honest, it’s not always pleasant for you, either, but we try our best to make it as positive as possible for you both.

All of our furry friends will need to visit the vets, if only for their annual vaccinations or check-ups.  It is therefore very important to us that they, and you, are as comfortable as possible.  It is even more essential that they feel safe and secure if they need to receive treatment from us or stay with us.

Here are some helpful tips for you and your furry friend to get the most out of your visits to the vets.

🦚Prepare before you visit.

Bring in a list of questions you have for us and any medical record cards you may have for your pet.  Depending on the reason for your visit, we are likely to ask a number of questions, so have a think before you come in.  We may need to know things like:

• Appetite
  • Have there been any changes?
  • What brands, types and amounts of food do you give them?
  • When was the last time they ate?
  • Have they eaten anything that could have caused issues?
• Fluid intake
  • Have there been any changes?
  • How much do they normally drink?
• Medication
  • What medication do you give them that hasn’t been prescribed by us?
  • Do you give any homoeopathic remedies?
• Toilet behaviours
  • Have there been any changes?
  • What is the consistency? (Yes, we know it’s yucky, but it’s important for us to know)!

 

🦚 Preparing your pet.

Ideally from an early age, socialise your pet where possible with other animals and people.  We offer puppy parties, but any interaction with people and other animals will be good experience.  Feel free to visit us even when you don’t have an appointment so that they can get used to the surroundings.

Especially during practice visits, give your pets a treat whilst they are at the clinic so that they associate it with good experiences.  It is also helpful if you can carry out home ‘examinations’.  Touch areas around eyes, ears and paws, for example, and check their teeth regularly so that they get used to checks being carried out.

If practical, try to take dogs for a walk beforehand and allow other pets to exercise and toilet before coming into the clinic.  This will help them and reduce the number of anxiety accidents.  We are used to it, but we know that house-trained animals get very stressed at relieving themselves inside and owners tend to be embarrassed.

 

🦚At the clinic.

We recommend keeping cats and small animals in their carriers, perhaps with a familiar blanket or toy.  Some people find that covering the carrier with a light-weight blanket or cover can help relieve any stress caused by seeing other animals in the waiting area.  Remember that our pets’ sense of smell will alert them to other animals, despite any such covering.

We also ask that all dogs are kept on their leads in the waiting area, and if practical, in the consultation room, too.  There are strengthened hoops to secure leads to if your dog is particularly strong and likely to pull you over or wrench out of your grip.

We know that you may be worried when visiting the vets, but as animals are very good at reading human emotions, try to remain calm as this will, in turn, keep them calm.

 

🦚After your visit

Whilst we try to offer treats to your pet, we find that if you reward your pet after their visit, this will also help them associate the vets with positive activities – a food treat, some play or exercise.

If your pet has visited us due to an illness, keep monitoring their behaviour and record any changes following any prescribed medication or treatment.  It is likely that we will ask for an update at any follow-up appointments.

If you have any concerns about visiting either of our clinics, please telephone us or call in to discuss how we can help.  If your pet is particularly problematic when visiting us, our pet behaviourist may be able to give further recommendations to those above.  We can also offer a consultation in the waiting area if that helps to ease your pet’s anxiety.

Please drop in to say hello or contact us online.