Most pet owners experience a stressful time when their pets need hospitalization. The veterinarian may suggest doing so if your furry friend is recovering from an injury, illness, or due to surgery. It is normal to have concerns about the care your dog or cat will receive and what you can do to ensure they are comfortable during the time.

What Happens During Hospitalization?

If your pet needs to sleep in the hospital and it is not an emergency case, your veterinarian will give you instructions to help you during admission. You will know the appropriate arrival time. Your pet is likely to be in the wards. If it is a critical case, they will be in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Pet ICU is like those for humans. They have high technology equipment and monitoring systems to ensure your pet gets advanced care.

Your pet will receive round-the-clock monitoring from your veterinarian, the staff, and technicians at the clinic. They may receive IV therapy, medications, and specialized treatment to aid in their recovery.

Prepare Your Pet

Since you will leave your pet under different hands, it is essential to acclimatize them to touch. You can get them accustomed by touching the sensitive areas of their body that the vet may handle. You can give them their favorite treat whenever they remain calm. Doing so will help them associate touch with a reward.

It is also ideal to remain calm to help your pet relax. Your pet can pick your emotions, and distressing them can affect their condition. Try to have a settled demeanor and do not behave suspiciously.

Admission

There are various things you should know about when your pet is admitted. Your veterinary clinic will inform you about the treatment plan. They will do so to get your consent concerning surgical procedures or treatments that your vet may recommend.

Ideally, take note of any medication that your pet may be taking so that you may notify the specialists at the clinic. Let them know about the dietary needs of your pet. You can also ask if you can bring the food approved by their vet.

Updates 

It is essential to ask the veterinary clinic staff to keep you updated while your pet is with them. Such a time can be worrying, and constant updates can help you calm down. You also remain updated about the health status and the progress of the treatment.

Constant updates also help you know if your vet decides to change the course of treatment or if an emergency arises. Ensuring you get phone calls, emails, and text messages will help you rush to the clinic if there is an emergency.

Visitation

Ideally, prepare your schedule to visit your pet while in hospital. Doing so should happen with the interests of your pet in mind. Some veterinarians may not be for the idea in some situations. It is essential to discuss with your vet your wish so they can arrange a convenient time for the visit.

Making regular visits during the hospitalization period helps if your pet is anxious. Your vet may also discourage it if seeing you can affect recovery negatively.

For more about hospitalizing pets, call 4 Paws Veterinary Hospital at (276) 431-4838 to reach our office in Duffield, Virginia.