Is an Online Vet Appointment Right for Your Dog?

Regular veterinary care is essential for dogs' health and well-being, but many pet owners dread the thought of visiting the office. Finding time to schedule an appointment and paying for the costs can bring stress, and many dogs become distressed and display troublesome behaviors at the vet. 

For these reasons, many people are now exploring the possibilities of virtual vet services that allow dogs to get the healthcare they need without leaving home. Virtual vet visits do offer a variety of benefits, but they also come with some downsides that you need to be aware of. In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of the virtual vet visit and provide tips on how to make the most of your appointment. 

Benefits of Online Vet Consultations 

With virtual vets, appointments take place via videoconferencing applications, allowing your vet to see you and your dog and you to see them. Just like an in-person visit, a virtual vet appointment usually begins with a discussion of symptoms. Then, the vet may ask you to position your dog in front of your mobile device or computer's camera so that they can make observations. Then, they'll discuss next steps and answer your questions. 

The virtual vet format offers a number of benefits, including: 

• Convenience: Virtual vet visits eliminate the need to travel to the vet. Your dog can receive the care they need from anywhere. 

• Cost savings: Often, virtual vet care is more affordable than in-person visits. You also eliminate expenses related to traveling to the vet, such as gas and parking. 

• Accessibility: For seniors and others with mobility issues or lack of transportation, virtual vets make vet care more accessible. 

• Triage: A virtual vet visit can help you determine if your pet needs emergency medical attention or to be seen by an in-person vet, or if you can manage a health concern at home. 

• Speed: Some virtual vet services are available 24/7, when your local veterinarian may be closed. 

• Managing anxious dogs: For dogs that experience vet-related anxiety, virtual vet visits make it possible to receive care in a familiar environment. 

Considerations and Limitations of Virtual Vets 

For all their benefits, virtual vet services do have some limitations, such as: 

• Limited diagnostic ability: Vets can diagnose some conditions by sight and a description of symptoms, but others may require being able to touch your pet, check their vital signs or run tests, such as blood work or x-rays. As a result, a virtual vet visit may not be suitable for diagnosing all conditions. 

• Limited preventative care: Dogs need routine vaccinations and other types of preventative care, such as screening for diseases, ticks and worms. A virtual vet visit doesn't allow your dog to receive this type of hands-on preventative care. 

• Potential for lost time: If the virtual vet can't diagnose your dog's condition through an online appointment, you'll need to schedule an in-person visit. In the meantime, your dog will continue to experience the symptoms of their illness or condition. 

• Lack of access to prescriptions: In some cases, you may receive a virtual vet prescription for medications at the end of your visit. However, many virtual vets don't have the ability to write prescriptions. If your dog needs medicine, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with another vet. 

• Technical difficulties: Slow Internet speeds, connectivity problems and device issues may interfere with your vet visit or prevent you from conducting the visit entirely. 

Because there are limitations to virtual vet care, experts typically recommend a hybrid model for veterinary medicine. With hybrid vet care, you see your vet in person for wellness visits and certain illnesses and conditions, and rely on virtual visits for follow-up care, general questions, triage and minor illnesses. 

Practical Tips for Dog Owners 

To have the best possible experience with your virtual vet, follow these tips: 

• Discuss the hybrid model ahead of time: If you're interested in virtual vet care, talk to your vet about it before your dog needs it. Find out when to schedule an in-person appointment and when to get in touch virtually. 

• Check technical requirements: Prior to scheduling an appointment, read the minimum technical requirements for using the video conference platform and be sure that your computer or mobile device has the necessary software and hardware. 

• Prepare yourself: Prior to your vet visit, gather your pet's medical history and write down a list of symptoms and concerns that you wish to discuss. It can also be helpful to create a list of questions you have for the vet. Preparing ahead of time can allow you to have a productive conversation with the virtual vet. 

• Choose the right setting: When getting ready for your appointment, choose a quiet area with limited distractions. A place that has plenty of light will enable your vet to see you and your pet clearly. 

• Snap some photos: If your dog has visible symptoms, such as a rash or injury, take some high quality, clear photos before your appointment. You can share these with the vet to make it easier for them to diagnose the problem. 

• Be ready to reward: Have treats readily accessible so you can encourage your dog to cooperate throughout the appointment. 

How Kradle My Pet Can Help 

Whether you're headed to the vet's office or preparing for a virtual vet appointment, Kradle CBD chews may be beneficial. Featuring broad-spectrum CBD and premium ingredients, our chews have a calming effect on the nerves to help dogs maintain a normal disposition and cope with external stresses. By helping keep your dog calm and relaxed, Kradle CBD chews can help make trips to the vet and home visits easier and less stressful for both of you. Check out our full lineup of chews to find the right solution for your pooch. 

Choosing the Right Vet Care for Your Dog 

If your dog's behaviors, busy schedule, limited budget or other concerns make trips to the vet a challenge, virtual vet care can make it easier for you to ensure your pooch gets the medical support they need. Just keep in mind that for vaccinations, procedures and diagnostic testing, a virtual vet appointment may not be the best option. Taking advantage of virtual vet services for some concerns and still seeing your in-person vet for others is often the best approach. Start exploring the virtual and in-person veterinary care options available for your dog now, so you can begin taking a proactive approach toward their health and well-being