When it comes time to visit a vet with your fur baby for the first time, it doesn’t need to be a daunting experience for you or your pet. Just read this blog to help you get prepared!
Okay, you probably already know that you are the most important person in your pet’s life – no one is going to dispute that. But there is someone who is a very close second – and that is your pet’s veterinarian. Trust us when we say that visiting your four-legged friend’s animal doctor will always be an important part of consistent medical care.
That being said, heading to the vet for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking – for both you and your pet. But worry not because we have everything you need to know on what to expect when visiting your vet and how to get money sent straight to you before the appointment.
Discover: How to Find a Good Vet for Your Dog: 5 Steps
Why you need to visit a vet with your pet
This seems like a good place to start since there is no point in even discussing what happens at the vet if you do not realise the importance of actually going. Taking your pet to the vet is non-negotiable. And we aren’t just talking about only taking them when they are sick.
From the moment they walk into your home (and your heart) you need to schedule an appointment with your vet. They will be able to help keep your pet healthy, ensure that they get excellent nutrition, and they will provide you with all of the components of stellar preventative care strategies.
Simply put, the sooner you and your pet head to the vet, the better. Not only for your well-being and physical health but for the stability of your finances too!
How to get your pet ready for their first vet visit
We always suggest taking your dog for a walk beforehand, if possible. This way they have exerted some of their excess energy and will be less hyperactive en route to the vet and once they are in the vet’s waiting room.
Make sure to put your fur baby on a short leash so that they remain close to you at all times. To help ease some of their nerves try to bring a fun chew toy or familiar-smelling blanket or towel. Also, make sure to use calming tones and lots of petting for good behaviour.
They might get a little frazzled by the new environment, the smell of other animals and other pets waiting for their appointment. Make sure to keep calm and reassure your pet while you wait.
How YOU should prepare when you visit a vet
Besides bringing your pet a comforting toy and a blanket or towel, you will also need to bring along some important information that will help your vet out. So, make sure to bring along the following information with you:
- The age and breed of your dog
- The kinds of food that they are eating
- Past medical records, including vaccine history if applicable
Once the technician is done gathering vital information, your veterinarian will see you and your fur baby. And so, the fun begins!
Read this: The Easiest Way to Do a Dog Health Check at Home: 6 Steps
What happens during the first vet visit?
You will be happy to know that before your vet begins the actual exam, they will befriend your pet, just to make sure that they are comfortable with the vet. This will help ease both your anxiety and the anxiety of your pet.
Then they will complete a physical exam that usually includes fully assessing your pet from nose to tail. They will look at their coat for any irritated areas, parasites, dryness and more. They will then look at the moisture of their nose, assess their eyes from the cornea to their retina and even look at the ear canals.
The vet will then open their mouth to look at the health of your pet’s gums and teeth, they will then listen to your fur baby’s heart and lungs, and assess their abdomen as well as their legs.
What happens after the physical exam?
Once that is complete your vet will then discuss their findings with you. Make sure to ask as many questions as possible to make sure that you are knowledgeable about all of your pet’s needs.
Ask questions like food recommendations and preventative care suggestions too while you are there – make the most of it. The vet will then administer the necessary immunisations and give you a schedule for follow-up boosters. Medication will also be given if necessary! And voila, you are done.
Now, for the paying.
How do you cover the costs of a vet visit?
With your average pet insurer, you would be expected to swipe your own card and cover the costs of the vet visit. You would then need to log in a claim and then be reimbursed for the costs. This is the part where we tell you about our favourite pet insurer, Oneplan Pet Insurance.
See, if you know ahead of time that you want to take your pet to the vet, Oneplan has you covered. All you will need is your exclusive Oneplan Claim Card. This card ultimately acts like your own personal pet debit card.
All you have to do is login on the Oneplan App, load funds to your card (which only takes a minute) and then swipe your card after your consultation – it’s that simple! Then, when you have a spare moment after your fur baby has settled back in at home, you can send us a copy of the invoice to allocate accordingly.
Read next: The Vet’s Guide to Cat and Dog Vaccinations
Going to visit a vet is a necessary (and mandatory) part of pet care, but that doesn’t mean that it should break the bank. With Oneplan, they make sure that regular vet visits are something that everyone can look forward to – you, your pet, and your bank card.
Yours in Not-So-Average Pet Advice,
The Petinsurance.co.za Team