Tips For Visiting Your Pet In The Hospital
Posted on: 17 February 2016
Illness or injury that results in a hospital stay for your pet can be stressful. Although the point of the stay is to ensure they get the treatment, rest, and recuperation that they need, your pet may also become fearful, anxious, or depressed. The following tips can help you work with the vet and hospital care team to create a care plan to set your pet at ease.
Tip #1: Schedule Visiting Times
Visiting your pet is good for your pet's mental health, especially if they suffer from separation anxiety or were a recent rescue pet. The main problem with visiting is that a pet hospital is a busy place and your pet may also be on a care schedule. Instead of just showing up, ask about visiting hours or schedule your daily visits. This way you can spend time with your furry family member without interfering with their care, or that of the other animals in the hospital.
Tip #2: Inquire About Basic Care
Some pets, especially finicky animals like cats, may become depressed or anxious, which leads them to refuse food. In this case, it could be helpful for the vet and vital for your pet's recovery if you take over feeding during your visit. This may be enough to put your pet at ease so that they will eat, which ensures they can heal properly. You can also ask about other basic care tasks that you can take care of during your visit, such as take your dog for a walk or brushing a long-haired animal to avoid matting. Of course, what is allowed will depend on your pet's health.
Tip #3: Bring Personal Affects
If your pet is extremely anxious or upset after your visits, ask if you can bring an item for them. Keep in mind, the hospital may not be able to guarantee the return of the item, so it is best to leave favorite toys or beds at home unless the vet indicates otherwise. Instead, lay an old towel over your pillow and sleep on it so it gets your scent, and then bring that to line the hospital bed. Sometimes, just having the scent of family nearby can help an anxious animal relax.
Tip #4: Keep it Clean
Depending on your pet's condition, you may visit them in an exam or visiting room, or it may be in their kennel cage if the pet shouldn't be moved. When visiting your pet, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly—you don't want to accidentally expose them to illness while they are recovering. Also, avoid petting any other animals, especially during a kennel visit.
Contact a local animal hospital, such as Clovis Veterinary Hospital P A, for more advice on caring for your sick or injured pet.
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