Among the many changes we’ve seen since COVID-19 upended life, the number of online veterinary consultations available has increased significantly, and it’s easy to understand why. Masu. These services are convenient, generally inexpensive, and perfect for pets who aren’t keen on traveling by car. This will give you the opportunity to consult with your veterinarian first to determine if your pet needs to be examined in person.
With this in mind, you too may someday join this new online world. But how can you prepare for these appointments? What can you expect from a virtual consultation? This article answers some questions.
How do virtual vet visits work?
A virtual veterinary visit, also known as a televeterinary visit or telemedicine visit, is a visit that is typically conducted by telephone or, more recently, by video call. These appointments allow owners to talk to their veterinarian about their pet’s health issues or simply for guidance and advice, and, if necessary, show the veterinarian an image of their pet’s condition. A veterinarian can advise pet owners on next steps.
It is important to mention that this is not a substitute for regular visits to your veterinarian who can physically examine your pet, perform tests, and prescribe medications. These services are only suitable for non-urgent medical concerns, follow-up appointments, or conditions where an initial remote assessment may be sufficient to begin a diagnosis and treatment pathway. If you suspect your pet needs emergency help, it is always important to seek emergency veterinary care at your local clinic.
preparation
Before attending a virtual vet visit, you need to make sure you are ready. This saves important time during calls and ensures that you don’t forget important information.
- Platform: The first thing you need to do is decide on a platform or company. There are a lot of them available these days, so do your research to see what’s on offer, the platform’s reputation, and other information it offers. Some veterinary clinics have online consulting capabilities, and so do pet insurance companies.
- Set up your space. To make the call as smooth as possible, make sure the area where you are calling is quiet, well-lit, and free of interruptions.
- Bring your pet with you or nearby. This is not always possible, but if your veterinarian wants to see or hear something, it is better to have access to your pet, especially in cases of lameness, skin problems, eye problems, coughs, etc. It’s much easier.
- Collect all information. You should have all of your pet’s medical records on hand, including their medical history, up-to-date health records, and any medications they are currently taking or have been taking. If necessary, take quality photos of your pet’s condition, especially if your pet is not physically there (if necessary).
What to expect
Online veterinarians usually start by asking a series of important questions. You should gather as much information as possible about your pet, including any past injury or disease history, and chronic problems. During this time, you can discuss any concerns you may have regarding your pet.
It is important to be completely transparent and open with your veterinarian. This allows your veterinarian to make the most accurate diagnosis possible for your pet. Again, it’s a good idea to have photos or videos of the current condition on hand, especially if your pet has no obvious symptoms. Of course, this is also a great time to ask any questions you may have.
After appointment
Once the examination is complete, your veterinarian should have given you a clear set of instructions to follow regarding your pet. In most cases, you will also receive a written report to ensure that you have checked all the important boxes. It is important to follow these instructions carefully and to schedule another appointment if you have any concerns or the situation does not appear to be improving.
In many cases, you may need to make an appointment to see your pet in person or at a later date. Pets can’t describe their symptoms, so they rely on sensing, hearing, and smelling problems to get a lot of information.
When is a virtual vet visit best?
While virtual veterinary visits are limited in many ways, such as prescribing medications and physical exams, there are some cases where a virtual visit is ideal.
These include:
- General health-related questions and concerns.
- Re-examination appointment for check-up after previous treatment.
- Behavioral concerns.
- Assess for skin and coat problems such as rashes and wounds.
- We will discuss your ideal diet and weight management.
As mentioned earlier, if your pet is sick or injured and needs immediate attention, it’s best to go to your local veterinarian or emergency clinic.
conclusion
Virtual vet visits are a great way to receive advice and guidance from experts from the comfort of your own home. However, it is important to be prepared. This will allow your veterinarian to provide the most valuable and appropriate guidance possible.
We hope our article helped you answer your questions and you are ready to make your first virtual appointment.
Featured image credit: FamVeld, Shutterstock
