Have you ever wondered why house calls have for the most part gone away? While many people do have home health care, this isn’t possible for every situation. Most of us don’t want to go anywhere when we’re sick, but sometimes there’s no choice but to head to the doctor’s office. As it turns out, pets are claiming house calls for themselves. Many vets now offer mobile services. A local Fredericksburg TX veterinarian offers some insight on this, and offers tips on getting your pet prepared, in this article.

Know The Benefits Of Veterinary House Calls

House calls really are a pawesome solution for many situations. For one thing, they’re very convenient. Many people are juggling hectic schedules these days. If you’re juggling a lot of balls, having your Fredericksburg TX vet come to you can make life a bit easier. You won’t have to spend time driving, sitting in traffic, or hanging out in a waiting room. House calls can also be particularly beneficial for anyone with mobility issues or transportation issues.

This is also often a better option for the pet. Most pets are homebodies. Cats, for instance, tend to get very rattled just by being taken out of their kingdoms. Fluffy is just not a fan of car rides. In fact, for many cats, the drive over to the clinic is more stressful than the appointment itself. And while dogs tend to be more adventurous, many do get carsick. Those with large dogs may also find it challenging just getting Fido from one place to another, especially if he isn’t feeling well. This way, your furry friend’s busy napping schedule will only briefly be interrupted.

Another thing is the fact that home visits are less stressful for pets. It’s easy to joke about how pets hate going to the vet, but the truth is going into clinics can be unsettling for them. There are lots of strange smells, faces, and sounds to take in. The scents of disinfectant, as well as the scents of other pets–many of whom may be sick and/or scared themselves–is enough in and of itself to set Fluffy and Fido on edge. While many veterinarians of course do take steps to soothe and calm pets, it’s probably still safe to say that our patients would still prefer to stay home.

How Do I Get My Pet Ready For House calls?

You don’t necessarily have to put a little bow tie on Fido, or bribe Fluffy with catnip. However, there are some things you can do.

Scheduling The Appointment

We always recommend scheduling the appointment with a bit of a cushion around it. If things take longer than expected, you won’t have to worry about cutting things short to get to your next engagement.

Prepare Necessary Paperwork

If you’re starting out with a new veterinary clinic, have any documents or records they may need handy. In some cases, the vet may be able to get records from your old vet. However, it’s best to have everything ready just in case.

Provide Relevant Information

Make sure to give your vet a heads  up about anything they need to know about getting to your place or parking. If you live in a gated community, you may need to provide an entry code or let them know about gate procedures. If your place has assigned parking, let them know where they can and cannot park.

Another thing that may be helpful would be Wi-Fi access. Your vet may need online access for uploading records or filling out information. There should be no need to share your password: just set up a guest account. You can always delete it after.

Tire Your Furry Pal Out A Bit

Our four-legged buddies are always calmer after they’ve burned off their zoomies. Take a few minutes to play with Fluffy, or take Fido for a walk around the block.

Fill Out Paperwork

If you’re a new client, you may be asked to fill some forms out. Doing this in advance can help the appointment go more quickly.

Set Up The Space

It would be helpful to have an area ready, where your vet can inspect your furry friend. A table or counter is ideal for  a cat or a small dog. For large dogs, the floor will work. Just keep in mind that there could be messes or spills, possibly even including excrement. Put something down on the surface beforehand, such as a towel or a cheap tablecloth.

Lighting is also something to consider.  If the spot doesn’t have sufficient lighting, bring in a few extra lamps from another room.  

Put Pets In A Secure Area

Even if your pet is usually pretty friendly with strangers, they may want to retreat to a quiet spot when strangers arrive. Many cats have a way of vanishing the moment guests show up. You don’t want to waste time trying to get Fluffy out from under the bed! Bring Fido or Fluffy into an area where they won’t be able to slip away. Close bedroom and bathroom doors, and block off access to popular hiding spots, such as the areas behind or beneath couches. You may want to put your furry pal in a small bathroom or utility room.

Take Advantage Of The Time

One benefit of house calls is that there are no distractions. These tend to be more casual than the typical office visit. This can be helpful for both the vet and the patient. This is also a great time to ask questions. We often hear that the casual environment and lack of distractions can help spark interesting and insightful conversations.

Have Questions Ready

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re here to help! Food is a big one. Nutrition plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health and well-being. This is always an important thing to discuss with your vet. This is also easy during house calls, as you’ll be able to show the Fredericksburg TX vet exactly what your furry pal is getting.

Try To Limit Distractions

Try to minimize things like phone calls or having televisions on in the background. If you have kids, give them something to occupy themselves with during the appointment.

In Home Euthanasia

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is always difficult, especially after a lifetime of love and loyalty. However, it’s something all pet owners will have to face eventually. When you start thinking about whether it may be time, have the conversation with your vet. While nothing will really make saying goodbye easier, many people appreciate the dignity and comfort that in-home euthanasia provides. Your pet will peacefully fall asleep in the comfort of their own home, without any undue stress or fear. You may also find it easier to prepare if you have a date in mind. This allows you to give your furry pal the best last day ever.

Conclusion: Veterinary house calls are becoming more and more popular. This is a much easier option for both pets and people. Taking a few steps to prepare in advance can help ensure that the appointment goes smoothly.

Is your pet due for an exam? Are you interested in scheduling a veterinary house call with your mobile vet? Contact us, your local Fredericksburg TX pet hospital, anytime. We are always here to help!