Six Questions Concerned Pet Owners Should Ask When Taking A Sick Pet To The Vet

If you’re like most people, you think of your pets as family members. And like most people, you hate having to bring your dog or cat to the vet when it’s sick. Not only do you hate to see your furry friend suffering, but it can just be plain scary and feel overwhelming when taking a sick pet to the vet.

Here are six questions you can ask that will help you move through the process of taking care of a sick pet.

Will my Pet Have to Stay Overnight?

As with human illnesses and injuries, some illnesses and injuries that your pet sustains require an overnight visit.

Although this is pretty standard procedure, it may make both you and your pet antsy.

To alleviate that, inquire about what you can do, if anything, to make your pet’s stay more comfortable.

This question also allows you to plan for a pick-up for your pet.

If the vet’s office doesn’t offer evening hours, you may have to pick your pet up during work hours once the treatment is through.

This question helps you make arrangements to do so.

Do You Use Painkillers?

If your pet is physically injured, you’ll want to make sure that your vet can do everything possible to provide a measure of comfort to your furry friend.

Not all vets use painkillers, and there may be situations where painkillers are not appropriate.

Talk to your vet about the risks and benefits.

Is There Something I Could Have Done to Prevent This?

Maybe you’re unknowingly feeding Fido the wrong food or have accidentally given him the wrong dosage of meds. It happens.

Knowing how you could prevent such an action in the future goes a long way toward keeping your pet healthy.

Ask your vet if there is anything you can do to prevent problems in the future.

For example, some dogs are prone to ear infections after swimming, so cleaning the ears after each time in the water may help prevent infections.

How do I Know When It’s Serious Enough?

Most animals aren’t going to get the flu or a cold.

If your pet has been sick for longer than a day, call the vet.

On a similar note, if your pet is sick, you should prepare yourself to hear the worst and be willing to talk to your vet about it.

Asking questions about the nature of your pet’s illness helps you make an informed decision.

If you’re not sure you can do that, PETA recommends taking along a friend or family member for support.

Do I Have Time to Think About the Prescribed Treatment?

Keeping your pet healthy means monitoring its health.

Unfortunately, many people, due to lack of money or ignorance, wait too long to bring their pets in.

If you stay on top of your pet’s health, you may not have to make a decision between an expensive treatment or euthanasia.

Instead, you could just be dealing with an illness in the beginning stages.

If you don’t have to make this decision while you’re feeling under the gun, you’re probably going to make a better decision for yourself and your little friend.

Will my Pet’s Illness Make me Sick?

Your pet can transfer certain illnesses to you, so if your cat or dog has something like ringworm or toxoplasmosis, be aware that you can catch it, too.

Your vet can give you some ideas on how to keep you and your family healthy even if Fido is sick.

Giving your pet the best care when it’s sick often involves a trip to the vet.

These six tips will help you be more objective and better informed when it comes time to pack up your kitty or pooch for a visit to the doctor.

It’s also important to find a reputable place like Chester Valley Veterinary Hospital.

The bottom line is, you’ll have more peace of mind and your pet will get better care.