Ready for the Vet

Ready for the Vet?

Make your next veterinary appointment go smoothly with these prep tips.

By Audrey Pavia

Here’s a checklist of preparations to make before a nonemergency appointment, and additional steps to take in an emergency situation. (Tip: Start saving now for a potential emergency. In the best-case scenario, you won’t ever need to use the money, but having it in the bank will help give you peace of mind.)

Nonemergency Appointment

■ Confirm your appointment. Confirm your appointment a couple of hours beforehand.

Confirm your appointment a couple of hours beforehand.

PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

■ Follow instructions. Follow any instructions your vet has provided you in advance of the appointment.

■ Gather medical history. Gather your horse’s medical history, so you’ll be able to answer any questions your vet may have.

Gather your horse’s medical history, so you’ll be able to answer any questions your vet may have.

PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

■ Provide driving directions.

■ Groom your horse. Clean excess dirt off your horse, including his hooves. This will make it easier for your vet to exam him.

■ Halter your horse. Have your horse haltered and ready for the exam as soon as your vet arrives.

■ Clean a stall. Thoroughly clean a stall in case your horse will need further containment during the veterinary visit.

■ Lock up your dogs. Loose dogs can distract your vet and/or disturb your horse during an exam.

■ Greet your vet. Greet your vet at the driveway, and point out the best place to park.

■ Make separate appointments. If another horse needs nonemergency veterinary care, make a separate appointment for him.

Emergency Appointment

■ Take your horse’s vital signs. After you call for help, take your horse’s vital signs so you can report them to your veterinarian.

■ Arrange for assistance. Have a horse-savvy friend or family member on hand in case you need help restraining or loading your horse, or even just for moral support during the crisis.

■ Hitch up. Hitch up your trailer in case your vet recommends taking your horse to the hospital.

■ Arrange for animal care. If your horse needs to go to the hospital, arrange for a reliable person to take care of your other animals in your absence.