Your relationship with your
veterinarian is a partnership. The better able you are to communicate your pet’s
needs and understand your options, the more productive your appointment will be
and the more likely your pet will get the treatment
needed.
Before the appointment, write down your
pet’s symptoms and their dates of onset. List the questions you want
answered.
· Get to the point. Explain why your pets there by relaying the present
symptoms and concerns. Relate any relevant past medical history and, if
possible provide copies of lab reports, X-rays, etc., if done at another
clinic.
·
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has had any adverse reactions to
vaccines.
·
Ask
questions. Your veterinarian should fully explain your pet’s problem and discuss
the pros and cons of the proposed treatments or tests in simple terms. Make sure
you understand your pet’s condition and treatment options before you leave the
office. Don't be timid or embarrassed: Keep asking questions until you
understand. Your pet’s health, and life, may depend on understanding what is
being said.
·
Follow your veterinarian’s orders. If you find you are confused about
what you should do when you get home, call the office and ask for clarification.
·
When you pick up prescriptions ask the doctor or technician to review
them in detail. Make certain you understand why your pet is taking the drug,
when your pet should take it, how much to take, and how it should be taken, i.e.
by mouth, mixed with food, etc.
·
Tell your veterinarian about any side effects your pet experiences while
on the medication or if the condition doesn't improve or gets
worse.
·
Take medications as directed. Follow drug dosages precisely. Taking more
of a medication could be dangerous; taking less could delay
recovery.
Finally, make any lifestyle changes your veterinarian recommends, such as improving your pet’s diet, and exercising regularly; doing so can improve your pets life.
