Being a responsible fur parent means providing your pet with the medical care it needs to stay healthy and happy. However, those with a busy schedule, a full plate of errands, and a pet that requires particular logistics when moving around may need help finding time to schedule a trip to the vet. That’s where the concept of an in-home vet visit comes into play. An in-home vet visit is provided by a house call or mobile veterinarian.
You won’t have to deal with the stress of traveling long distances and dealing with the anxiety of a traditional vet clinic. Instead of going to the vet and waiting for your pet to get seen, you can have a qualified doctor sent to your home to examine your cat or dog.
Given variables like time and cost, you might wonder whether it’s viable to have an in-home vet visit. If these benefits resonate with you, you may find that an in-home vet visit can be a valuable alternative you and your pet can appreciate.
Should I Have a Vet Visit My Pet at Home? Benefits of Veterinarian Home Visits
Instead of taking the time to schedule an appointment at your local vet and then making arrangements to bring your pet out, home visits bring the vet to your home. For many pet owners, having an in-home vet visit provides more convenience and better solutions for their pet’s safety and peace of mind.
Comfort and Convenience for Your Pet
Not all pets are outgoing or curious to explore unknown areas. As a result, they may be unwilling to get in their crate or show negative behavior when you take them out. For example, cats can poop or pee in their crate when scared, which may soil the crate or parts of your vehicle. Alternatively, a veterinarian home visit takes away the hassle of transporting pets.
Minimize Mobility for Senior and Special Needs Pets
Older pets and those with special needs may struggle with mobility issues. Not only will it be an undertaking to transport them to your local vet, but the trip may exert their physical health. In this case, it’s best to provide solutions that minimize taking your pets out of your home. Through a home visit, your vet can provide treatment without the discomfort of traveling.
Reduced Pet Anxiety
Anxiety can lead to unwanted behaviors from your pet. For example, anxiety in dogs going to the vet can trigger fear-related anxiety from the unfamiliar environment and the unknown people in the vet clinic. This could lead to fear-related behaviors such as aggression and destructive behavior.
Familiar Environment is Always Comforting
A trip to the vet exposes your pets to several stress-inducing factors, all of which can be heightened by the fact that they’re in an unfamiliar location. Additionally, older pets may have poor memory and cognition, which adds to their confusion when taken to the vet. Through an in-home vet visit, your pet will be in a familiar environment surrounded by people they know while the vet examines them.
Minimizes Exposure to Ill Pets
Taking your pet to the vet exposes them to other pets that could be carriers of viral conditions. When placed close to other animals, your pet can pick up ticks, fleas, or even viral diseases such as parvo and distemper, especially when they aren’t vaccinated. A vet house visit for sick pets reduces this exposure, particularly beneficial for pets with compromised immune systems (such as younger and senior pets) or those easily stressed.
Convenient Treatment for Chronic Conditions
Pets with chronic conditions may require regular check-ups or treatment, which may not be feasible for pet owners with busy schedules. Instead of exhausting the time it takes to get ready, drive to the vet, and wait for a vet to examine their pet, pet owners can schedule a home visit within a certain time. In-home visits provide consistent care and allow the veterinarian to monitor their progress closely.
Ease of Care for Pets Receiving Hospice and Euthanasia
For pets receiving hospice or end-of-life care, their final trip to the vet can be a painful experience for you and your pet. They will have to take an uncomfortable ride to the vet and then receive euthanasia in an unfamiliar clinic. In-home vet visits offer the option of saying goodbye to your beloved pet in the comfort of their home, providing a more peaceful and familiar environment during their final moments.
What to Expect from an In-Home Vet Appointment
Should I have a vet visit my pet at home? It’s essential to have a clear idea of what your vet can provide. These are some things you should expect when considering scheduling an in-home vet appointment.
Not all veterinarians provide home visits, so if your pet’s primary vet isn’t available for home visits, ask for a referral to a vet who can. During an in-home vet appointment, you can expect a personalized and convenient veterinary care experience for your beloved pets.
You should set an appointment with your vet, who will then drop by your house at the specified time. They will take a detailed medical history of your pet, discussing any concerns or issues they may have. They will perform a thorough physical examination, assessing your pet’s vital signs, body condition, and overall health. This may include checking the eyes, ears, heart, lungs, teeth, and coat.
Based on the findings, the vet may collect samples for bloodwork, urine analysis, or fecal examination, depending on your pet’s need and condition. These samples can be processed on-site or at a laboratory, depending on the available equipment.
The veterinarian will address your questions, provide recommendations, and suggest treatment options if necessary. They may administer vaccinations, prescribe medications, or discuss preventative care such as flea and tick control, heartworm prevention, or proper nutrition.
If your pet requires further procedures, minor surgeries, or dental work, the vet may bring portable equipment to perform these in your home. However, for more extensive procedures, they might recommend a visit to a clinic.
Explore In-Home Hospice and Euthanasia Options with Loving Paws Veterinary House Calls
There are plenty of benefits when you opt for in-home vet visits for your pets. On top of providing your pet with accessible medical care, you also make the vet experience more manageable, especially for older pets.
When medical treatment is no longer an option, you can make their end-of-life care more comfortable by opting for in-home hospice services. At Loving Paws Veterinary House Calls, we can help you enhance your pet’s quality of life through pain management, palliative care, and emotional support during their remaining days. Let’s provide your pet with a peaceful environment where they’re happy and comfortable.
However, if the time has come to say goodbye to your faithful companion, in-home pet euthanasia is a humane and dignified option. Ensure your beloved pet is surrounded by love and warmth in their final moments, without the hustle and bustle of a clinic or the distress of transportation.
For questions about in-home hospice care and euthanasia services call or submit a request to get in touch with Loving Paws Veterinary House Calls today.
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