The modern pet owner can sometimes face several challenges unique to them. Busy schedules and uncommon work shifts can make it challenging to keep in-person pet appointments. Additionally, transportation may not always be available, that’s why making physical visits to the vet should be scheduled ahead of time. As such, it’ll be essential to learn modern methods of addressing them.
This is where telemedicine comes in. The benefits of typical veterinarian visits now come at the push of a button. Your pets can feel much more relaxed if they’re in a familiar environment. Moreover, avoiding traffic and waiting times can end up saving you more than just money as well. After all, quick access to medical care is essential when it comes to any type of medical emergency.
Below are some things to expect when you book a video call with an online vet. Read on and learn how to ensure a valuable first online vet appointment.
- Information To Prepare Before The Appointment
Before your pet’s appointment time arrives, there can be several things you can prepare ahead of time. Having these items on hand will ensure a smooth visit. Additionally, these items will be indispensable when your veterinarian begins their diagnosis.
Some of the things you should prepare are as follows:
- A clear picture or video of your pet and the area of concern
- Pet’s medical history
- List of your pet’s typical diet
- List of pet’s current medicines
It’s important to remember that pets don’t always express their discomfort visibly. Your animal companions can even be completely fine during the appointment. Conversely, they may also suddenly show signs of agitation or restlessness. All these things can make it difficult to assess the problem.
Preparing these items can provide your vet with vital clues about your pet’s ailment. Furthermore, making your pets even more uncomfortable won’t have to be an option.
Finally, some clinics may use apps that allow you to send messages to your veterinarian’s clinic. They may sometimes request you to send these items days before the actual appointment. This is to make sure they have ample time to study and diagnose your pet. With that said, having this information ready will mean better treatment for your pet.
- Tools For An Online Appointment
Generally speaking, videoconferencing programs are an online vet’s greatest tool during tele-consult appointments. These applications are readily available on computers and smartphones. While smartphones may have all the necessary hardware to enjoy a seamless online appointment, your computer may need some extra peripherals. These typically include:
- External camera
- Headset or speakers
- Microphone
- High-speed internet
Preparation will go a long way before your pet’s schedule. First, you should check your video and audio beforehand to ensure that the total focus is on your pet. Next, good lighting and a quiet atmosphere will be critical. Both will aid your veterinarian’s observation of your pet while keeping clear communication with you.
Lastly, it may sometimes be necessary to restrain or hold your pet a certain way to see areas of concern clearly. As such, a second person on standby can provide invaluable help during this situation. It should be a person your pet is familiar with, like a trusted friend or family member.
- Getting A Prescription
It’s important to note that online veterinarians can’t write prescriptions for pets legally. This is due to the fact that online appointments aren’t acceptable when adhering to veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) guidelines. VCPR is an essential requirement for writing prescriptions. While this can be subject to your local area’s policies, most places comply with this law.
To put it simply, VCPR is the relationship formed by the veterinarian, you, and your pet. This is to ensure that familiarity and trust exist between all parties involved. Moreover, legal organizations can acknowledge VCPR only after the veterinarian has physically examined your pet.
Ultimately, this doesn’t pose too much of a problem should you have an online appointment with your pet’s regular vet. However, having one with a vet you’re unfamiliar with may present this issue. Communicating this concern with them early on will lead you towards a mutual agreement.
Conclusion
As with most things medical-related, your pet’s first online appointment can be nerve-wracking for you and your pet. However, equipping yourself with the proper information on what to expect will quickly dissipate any hesitation. Ultimately, online vet appointments may soon become the new norm for pet healthcare, so it’s the right time to start being comfortable with this new way of consultations.
