Top tips: Preparing for an in-home vet exam
Calmer pets pose fewer risks to themselves, caregivers, and veterinarians.
By choosing an in-home veterinary visit, you’re giving your pets the home advantage. This means your pets can feel safe and comfortable in a familiar environment – which helps to reduce fear, anxiety and stress (FAS). You can also feel relaxed knowing your pets are having a low-stress veterinary visit.
To make the vet exam a more positive experience for you and your pets, here are our top pre-appointment tips.
What to do the day you're expecting an in-home vet visit
Calmer pets during a vet exam pose fewer risks to themselves, caregivers, and veterinarians.
Ensure your pet is hungry before a vet visit. Don't feed them within a few hours of the visit.
Have a lot of treats. Our vet will have a lot of treats for your pet. You can also have some of your pet's favourite treats available. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Have your pet’s favourite toys available. These items may help your pet relax. You might be asked to help distract your pet.
Use calming pheromones or lavender to promote relaxation. Spray a blanket or towel that your pet sleeps on to provide comfort. Allow 10-15 minutes to dry before exposing your pet to it.
Let your pet relieve itself before the visit. If a urine or stool sample is needed, remember to collect them in separate clean containers.
If your pet is anxious and the vet has prescribed anti-anxiety supplements or medications, give them to your pet as prescribed.
Ensure hiding places aren’t accessible. Remove or obstruct hiding places so we can examine your pet more easily.
For kittens and cats who are more comfortable in their carrier, place a blanket and their favourite toys in the carrier and remove the top.