Vet Clinic is booked for the day, what do I do? 5 vet -approved tips

Pets have to go to the vet occasionally, just as we need to visit our doctors occasionally. Often, when our pets have to go to the vet, we know in advance and can easily plan an appointment. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes our animals need care at the last minute because the cat ate garbage and became ill or something more serious has happened. When this happens, we have to try to look after our pets to a veterinarian -clinic plan at the last minute, which is not always possible.

But what do you do if your pet needs care, but the veterinary clinic is booked for the day? What options do you have to get your animal the care they need? First, remember not to panic because there are options. In fact, we share five alternative options you can use if your veterinarian clinic is booked. We also share a few steps that can help you be prepared in an emergency. Continue reading!

Here’s what to do when your veterinarian clinic is booked for the day

Not being able to make a veterinary agreement is frustrating, but the question is manageable as other options are available to you in this scenario.

1. Your veterinarian

Wait, have we not already found that the veterinarian you regularly use is not available to see your pet? Yes. However, this does not necessarily mean that they cannot help. Instead of immediately hanging on your veterinarian and using one of the options below when you learn that you can’t get an appointment, ask them if they have any resources you can use.

What resources would be available in this situation? If your pet does not have to do with a serious problem, the staff or a veterinarian may be able to give you tips on how to care for them at home and make them comfortable. Your veterinarian clinic may also be able to replenish or prescribe medication for your animal. They may even be able to refer you elsewhere to get your pet seen. Of course, if your animal experiences a medical emergency and clearly needs help right away, this will not be the opportunity for you.

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2. The Internet

The Internet is definitely a hit-or-miss opportunity when it comes to healthcare advice, and this is not the possibility of an emergency or serious situation. This option is for minor health problems such as a scraped kitty paw or mild diarrhea! However, if your pet is dealing with a less serious disorder, you can go online to places like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) site or PETMD and find resources with information verified by veterinarians who may help your animal. Look for reliable information — there are lots of sites online that have veterinary-reviewed or veterinary information that may be beneficial to your pet.

Just remember that this option is only for minor problems. If your pet has been injured or seriously ill, do not ask the Internet for help!

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3. Internet, Share Deux (alias Telehealth)

Of course, Dr. Google doesn’t the only help the Internet has to offer. There is also Telehealth. Telehealth includes many things, such as veterinarians video consultations, and are a practical and often affordable opportunity for those who lack other pets. It allows you to talk directly to a veterinarian and get personalized advice to your pet.

As convenient as it can be, especially when your veterinary clinic is booked, this option has disadvantages. One is that veterinarians are limited to how they can help with telecommunications health. After all, a veterinarian can only see what you show them during a video chat and it’s not like your pet can tell them where something hurts. Veterinarians also have rules and regulations that they must follow with regard to Telehealth that vary with the region. In many cases, they can tackle concerns and offer advice, but are unable to diagnose or prescribe medication.

But if your pet is suffering from a minor problem and you can use Telehealth, this can be your best effort to afford to help your pet right away.

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4. Another veterinary clinic

This may not be an option that everyone has; It just depends on where you live. If you live in an area where veterinary clinics are abundant and your veterinarian clinic is not available, try to get an appointment with another veterinarian. Just because your pet’s veterinarian is currently busy does not mean that all veterinarians in the city are booked, call around and see if your animal can get an appointment elsewhere. Don’t worry; This does not mean that you need to change veterinarians forever. This can be a disposable thing so your pet can be seen when needed.

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5. An emergency veterinarian

To be ready, this must be your first option if your pet is dealing with an emergency (as if they have been hit by a car). This can also be an option if none of the other settings on this list work for you. Emergency Vet Clinics is often open when other veterinarian clinics are not, e.g. After ordinary opening hours or holidays so that animals can come at virtually at any time.

Just because your pet can be seen on an emergency control does not mean they will be seen right away. Emergency Vet Clinics work in a similar way as the hospital’s emergency room, where animals are triaged, and those with the worst injuries or illnesses are seen before those with less concern. So if your animal has trouble breathing, they will be seen for an animal with mild diarrhea. But if your pet is only suffering from something less, you can be at the emergency clinic for a while, be prepared for waiting time.

Thing to remember as a pet owner

There are things you can remember to make it easier for yourself and your pet when your veterinarian clinic is booked.

Call earlier

Call your veterinarian earlier rather than later if you notice something wrong with your pet. Often people see that their pets have thrown up a few times or seem to feel unwell and then decide that there is no harm in waiting a day or two before calling the vet because their pets may get better on their own. Although understandable, it is still best to contact your veterinarian earlier when you know something is off with your pet. You know your pet best and if you have concerns by contacting your veterinarian as soon as possible means they will be more likely to get a timely appointment and it may prevent you from finding another option for their healthcare at the last minute.

Be good

If your veterinarian is unable to fit your pet into their schedule, do not burn bridges by getting frustrated and shouting at someone. We know that not getting an appointment when you need one is a bummer. But if you rush to anger when your veterinarian is busy helping other people’s animals, you can lose a positive relationship with your veterinarian. So be good. Your veterinarian does their best to help every animal they can.

Be prepared

Always be prepared for an emergency! The better prepared you are, the better your animal when they need care. So make sure to do at least some of the following:

Last thoughts

It can be frustrating when your veterinarian clinic is booked and you can’t get your pet in to be seen when needed. However, there are other options when this happens. If your veterinarian clinic is booked, try searching for an answer to the problem online, try Telehealth, ask your veterinarian if there is anything you can do for your pet at home, try to enter another veterinary clinic or use an emergency.

You can also make the situation of not being able to come in with your veterinarian easier by calling your veterinarian earlier when you notice that your pet has a problem and is taking steps to prepare for emergencies.

See also:

• Paddock Park Animal Care Center: Heroes of the Pet World
• Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists | Heroes of the Pet World

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Highlighted photo of: Frau AUS UA, Shutterstock