HOW TO
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT TO THE VET
Visiting
your vet could be a fun thing to look forward to. Or it may be a nightmare. It
is what you make out of it. I too started dreading these visits. But over the
decades I learnt things-the hard way. And now I can’t wait to get to the vet!
Having spoken to many frequent long term vet visitors, let me share the tried
and tested out tips with you.
MAKE A LIST
It is not
another super market where there is soft music and everything in order. This is
a place where sick animals come. And they would give the world to be anywhere
other than at the vet. You too are not at your best, with your loving pet being
sick. Hence it is likely that you will forget to ask the vet what you wanted to
ask, or may forget to take your previous records. So make a list. List out the
things you want to ask, as well as things you have to take such as the
vaccination record book and the previous lab reports, if your pet has any.
Check the list before leaving the vet. That saves the bother to call her up
again. And it is nice to have the opportunity to move on, without again getting
again calling your vet after you leave the clinic.
HAVE A
DOCKET
Why not keep
all your pet document in a docket? It can be a zip file or an envelope folder is
best as things will not fall out from them. You may think that a certain report
will have no validity anymore, but your vet may ask for it, and it will be
another bit of money that you save if you have your past records at hand.
TAKE ALL
WITH YOU
Generally
the pet is owned by the whole family. If you go to the vet alone, you may have
to answer many questions when you get back. So why not take all at home you are
willing to come with you? Yes, it may be a bit of a chaotic journey having to
manage your spouse and family too, in addition to your sick pet; but it saves time and blaming each other once
you get back home.
AVOID OTHER
BEST FRIENDS OF MAN
You may love
to see other pets, but dogs do not like each other. They may forget their
sickness and be aggressive when encountered with the fellow canine. Plus the
continuous barking of several pooches may give you a headache. So avoid going
in at crowded times. Or book an appointment with your vet, so that your dog
will not strain herself barking while she is ill. Even your cat or the guinea
pig will appreciate to be treated when the environment is quiet, if possible.
VACCINES
ONLY? NO CHECK UP TOO PLEASE!
You may be
just walking into vaccines. But request your vet to do the basic check such as
those of ears (dogs are susceptible for ear issues more often than not), nails
(some dogs will have their grown which later lead to inflicting wounds). So
though you have walked in only for vaccines, ask your vet to check on the other
basics too. It is always good to have chat about your cat’s furry coat and
listen to any advice that your vet has to offer. Do next time do not say “Just
the vaccine”, but say “a little check up too please.”
LOGISTICS
Sometimes
there could be a long waiting time at certain vet, so be prepared. Have you
packed a few doggie biscuits? How about a little water bowl for you cat in case
she feels thirsty? Your rabbits may feel too warm in that box you taken them
in, so have you got any cooling cloth ready? And if getting the dog out of the
car is an issue, as she gets to know that you, have you explore the options of
a consenting tuk tuk driver who will take her? It makes a world of difference
to have someone else take care of the driving and parking while you attend to
your sick pet.
TRY OUT NEW VETS
In case you
have long queues and a hot waiting room to put up with, why not try a few other
vets close by? The new vets may be good too, or at least you can save your time
with a less crowded place when you go in for minor problems and vaccinations.
Implement
these tips one by one. As you start getting most of your visit, it will be something you do not mind, after all.
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