As a dog parent, are there ever times you wish you had a licensed veterinarian in your pocket? I’m talking about an expert you could quickly turn to without the hassle of leaving your home and stressing out your canine companion. Trusted advice and guidance that goes beyond Dr. Google, but won’t leave you with a huge dent in your wallet. I’m definitely raising my hand on this one!
I recently learned about the world of veterinary telemedicine. It’s where pet parents can connect with licensed veterinary professionals through video chat and other virtual means. How cool is that?
Sure, telemedicine is not appropriate for every concern, and it doesn’t replace the need for a local in-person vet. But, there are many instances where virtual pet healthcare can come in handy (especially during these crazy times with COVID19).
About Telemedicine for Pet Parents
Telemedicine offers an accessible, affordable, and efficient solution to veterinary needs. It fills the gaps for pet parents in a few ways:
- If you live in a more rural area, in-person veterinary visits may require a long drive.
- If you work full-time at an office, your in-person vet clinic’s hours may be tough to accommodate.
- Vets are busy and sometimes it takes a while to get an appointment. With telemedicine, you can usually book a same-day appointment.
- Many pets get extremely stressed out when taking a trip to the vet. Virtual visits get you answers while your pup stays calm on the couch.
- If you simply have a minor question and would like guidance from a professional, it would be nice to avoid a $200 bill!
Although telemedicine doesn’t allow a veterinary professional to do a detailed medical workup (one which includes blood work), many common conditions can be treated virtually.
By speaking with you – the pet parent – the vet can get a solid understanding of your fur kid’s medical history and current symptoms. They’ll need to know when symptoms started, what exact changes you’re noticing, and whether things are worsening or improving. Your virtual vet may ask for photos or videos. (For example, if you’ve noticed your pup limping then the vet will likely want to see a video of your dog walking. Or, if you’re calling about a lump/bump then the vet will probably want to see close-up photos.) In certain situations, they may guide you through certain physical examination checks.
In general, virtual vet visits are perfect for:
- Itchiness, ear infections, skin irritations, rashes, etc.
- Flea and tick concerns
- A sudden bout of diarrhea or vomiting
- Motion sickness questions
- Dietary questions and toxicity concerns (uh oh – did Fido just eat something he shouldn’t have?)
- Weight management advice
- Minor wounds
- Sudden limping
- Behavioral changes/issues
- General questions about pet health and wellness
Vetster: An On-Demand Virtual Veterinary Care Platform
There are various telemedicine services available online. One that I’ve been digging into is Vetster. They work with thousands of licensed veterinary professionals (both licensed doctors and technicians) across the U.S. and Canada. Here’s how it works:
- You visit the Vetster website and hit “Book an Appointment”.
- From there, you choose whether you wish to connect with a doctor (many doctors can diagnose and prescribe medications) or a technician (while they can’t prescribe medication, they can offer quick advice on a variety of topics).
- Next, you enter your location and the Vetster website will show you a list of licensed professionals available to connect with. You’ll get to see their photo, name, credentials, fee, and available appointment times.
- Select the expert you wish to connect with and finish booking.
- Last step: Use your smartphone or computer to join your virtual appointment. No downloads required! Plus, if your plans change, booking adjustments and cancellations are free.
Through the Vetster website, you can also create a free account for your pets. You just answer a few details about yourself and where you live – so you can connect with qualified professionals in your area. Each of your pets will get their own profile, featuring their medical history and health records from virtual appointments.
A Peek at Prescriptions
According to the Vetster website: “If your appointment takes place within a state or province that allows for the establishment of a virtual veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR), there is a possibility that your Vetster Veterinarian may provide you with a prescription for your pet.”
If your virtual vet visit ends with a prescription, the prescribing doctor will be able to step you through the process. Often, prescriptions are delivered right to your door. There are a few ways they can be filled, including human pharmacy, online pet pharmacy, or Mixlab.
Raising Awareness
As a fellow pet parent and dog blogger, I can’t stress the importance of veterinary care enough. It’s through routine check-ups, follow-up visits, and trusted guidance from licensed professionals that help keep our canine companions healthy.
Since the start of COVID19, veterinary visits have definitely been different. Most offices aren’t allowing pet parents inside, which means we don’t get that valued face-to-face time. Personally, I had no clue virtual vet visits were even an option until I started doing a little more digging into the process. I also reached out to some licensed veterinarians to get their take on the subject.
The verdict: While not all concerns can be addressed through telemedicine, it definitely fills a lot of gaps and serves a wonderful purpose for pet parents!
