Virtual Vet Visits
Telehealth has revolutionized for all and by ‘all’ we mean dogs, cats, and any other kind of pet that you have. Everybody knows the reason, which is the advent of Covid-19.
Getting online appointments and stepping into the virtual realm of medicine is just the beginning of a new era. Your pets can also benefit from the online consultations of vets, either through phone calls or more preferably through video calls via Zoom or Skype.
In this post today, we would inform you how virtual vet visits can save your pet’s life, and maintain his health even if keeping a safe distance is the only option. We would also let you know how to get the best virtual vet nearby so that you can contact him whenever your pet is in urgent need of help.
Why Do I Need a Virtual Vet Visit? Benefits!
It is true that online vet visits are not as helpful as real physical visits because vets would be able to physically check the pet, take all his vital signs, check his teeth in real, etc. It would give a clearer idea of how the animal is feeling in actuality and whether there are fleas in his hair too!
On online screens, all of this is not possible. However, if your pet faces an emergency and there is no means of transport at your home at the moment, you can schedule an online vet appointment within minutes and chat with a licensed veterinarian online.
Still, chatting remains risky as you would not know clearly whether, on the other side of the chat, a competent vet is answering you or not. You can book an online video call with a pre-set appointment in which you would able to see an expert vet on the other side. Face-to-face meetings offer more trust to the client instead of online chats.
An elaboration of the benefits of online vet visits is presented here:
- You can get the best virtual vet help without incurring many costs. Online consultation is inexpensive compared to monthly or yearly visits for pets.
- Online vets monitor pets’ symptoms. For example, if your dog is scratching himself and being aggressive while rubbing his ear, the vet would want to have a look at his ear if he is having any infection. Instant help doesn’t hurt, right?
- What if your cat has a UTI-related problem and you cannot afford to wait for weeks? You might not be able to get a physical appointment with vet for several weeks to come. An online vet consultation would be quick after which, you can easily get an online prescription from a regular and trusted vet. Your pet might sense some anxiety and feel apprehensive when you are taking him for a vet visit in real. Instead of driving him far away and then helplessly calming him down in front of the pet. It is highly comfortable and convenient to get him check online by a certified vet.
- There are no location barriers.
Can Vets Give Online Prescriptions?
Online vets who write prescriptions are not available in every state. You might have to look for one when you need an emergency aid for your pet’s illness, particularly when he or she is suffering from a condition. Virtual vet prescription is only made when you have a one-to-one relationship with the vet, which is generally known as a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). The vet would know you in person and you would trust him for giving your pet the best virtual vet care that your furry or feline friend is desperately in need of.
You must fully understand what VCPR is in real. In VCPR, the vet takes full responsibility for the pet’s well-being, diagnosis, prescription, and outcomes. The vet is able to make follow-up check-ups online while keeping a proper legal and official record of his virtual vet visits.
Apart from that, various registered veterinary online pharmacies can provide you with much cheaper virtual vet prescriptions as compared to the local vets. They have knowledgeable staff who can guide you in emergency situations if you are unable to find a quick vet consultation for your pet. Also, they can guide you if some medicine is out of stock, and what alternative could be used in place of it.
Can I Get Free Online Vet Consultation For My Pet?
Yes, some verified pet care firms give you free online vet consultations 24/7. You can ask them any question at any time. They give free chat services and sometimes help you get an online appointment with online vets who write prescriptions.
Further, some firms offer free online vet consultations that include re-checks if the pet owner does not seem satisfied with the results. Once they feel that the right treatment has been catered to and the pet is in healthy condition, the vet consultation remains entirely free, unless it is on normal working days.
In fact, you should be careful while selecting virtual vet visits with such firms so that you know who the vet would be. The vet should be qualified enough, having an experience of several years in the field. He should have good relationships with local pet clinics and hospitals.
It would show that he has a good reputation and would get more referrals from other hospitals as well. It would add to his experience and success rate, giving an automatic hype to his positive word-of-mouth. This word-of-mouth alone is an indication that he should be the first one to reach out to when your pet needs serious online help.
Conclusion
Virtual vet visits have grown in popularity in recent years, giving pet owners quick access to veterinary care from the comfort of their own homes. While online consultations cannot totally replace in-person check-ups, they may be a useful resource for routine check-ups, minor diseases, and general pet health information.
Despite certain restrictions, such as the inability to do physical exams or administer some medicines, online veterinarian visits provide a safe, convenient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional veterinary care. As technology advances, we should expect to see even more creative solutions that bring pet care into our homes.
Overall, internet vet visits have transformed the way we approach veterinary care and are an essential alternative for pet owners seeking veterinary treatment.