From Start to Finish, Techs Make Your Vet Appointments Smooth and Easy

Remember the last time you took your dog to the vet? You were probably greeted by a vet tech at the front door who helped you lead your dog onto the scale and checked you in for your appointment. You may not have realized it, but that same vet tech played a huge part in ensuring your dog’s appointment was easy and successful. 

Just like nurses do at a typical doctor appointment, vet techs take on a lot of responsibilities both in front of the patients and behind the scenes. According to VetStreet.com, “It’s easier to list what they can’t do: make diagnoses, perform surgery, or prescribe medication.”

With so many necessary tasks to take care of, you may be surprised to learn that the vet tech position didn’t exist before the 1960s. Previously, veterinary offices, animal hospitals, and zoos relied on average office workers to handle administrative and regular care tasks. As technology developed and the knowledge base of animal healthcare grew, veterinary professionals realized the need for skilled assistance. 

Since the 1960s, vet techs have made pet parents’ lives better in so many ways. Be sure to thank your vet tech for all of these things at your next appointment:

Vet techs set the tone for the whole appointment

As we mentioned above, vet techs are the first face you see when you enter your veterinarian’s office, and they’re often the last faces you see when you check out and leave. Having a vet tech who can greet your dog and make them feel comfortable from the start can set the tone for the whole appointment. 

Lots of dogs display anxiety at the vet’s office. You can’t blame them: often, we only visit the vet’s office once or twice a year, if that. Your dog isn’t used to those surroundings or the new sounds and smells that come along with them. Having a vet tech who is used to handing anxious dogs can help keep them calm enough to get through their tests and procedures and get back to the treats. 

Vet techs can help you with at-home care

Vet techs take care of the technical tasks so that the lead veterinarian can handle diagnoses, procedures, and prescriptions. They’re also your link for questions and tips about at-home care and administration of medications.

Senior dog parents especially know that it can be overwhelming to leave the vet’s office with a handful of new pills and prescriptions. Your vet tech can give you their own tried and true tips for administering medications, even for dogs who try to avoid them. As you develop a working relationship with your vet tech over time, they’ll get to know your dog’s unique needs and quirks so they can help you take better care of them at home. 

Vet techs love your animals when you’re not there

Nobody likes leaving their dogs at the vet’s office overnight. For someone like me who works from home with my boy Jackson always at my side, being at home without him there for just a day can seem like an agonizing eternity. Knowing that he is with vet techs who will love and care for him makes things a little easier. 

The third week in October is National Vet Tech Appreciation Week, but we think they should be celebrated year-round! If there’s a special place in your heart for your vet techs, leave them a positive review on Google or social media and share the love.

Just like it’s important to find the right physician for your family, it’s also important to find a vet who has your dog’s best interests in mind! While many people tend to put off well visits to the vet and only go to the clinic in an emergency, giving your dog regular checkups is an important part of their overall healthcare regimen. A good vet will take preventative measures against common illnesses and cancer as well as helping you keep your dog at a healthy weight and activity level.

Finding the perfect vet for your dog can be daunting. Many first-time pet owners tend to choose big box in-store vets, like Banfield. While these are affordable options, you may be able to find better care elsewhere. Here are a few of our tips to help you find the right vet for your pet:

• Check for word of mouth recommendations. The best recommendations are ones you know you can trust. Chances are, if you’re a dog owner, you have a few other friends who are dog owners, as well. Ask them who they use for their pets’ primary care needs if they’re in your area, and check to see if their vet is helping their dogs with specific health concerns your pups may be experiencing.

• Have a conversation with your vet and bring your dog in with you for an introduction. Bringing a new vet into your life is much like introducing your dog to a new family member. Make sure you and your vet are on the same page when it comes to key issues affecting your dog’s quality of life. At the same time, you can gauge how comfortable your dog is around their new vet.

• Convenience is a big plus, especially when it comes to matters of your dog’s health. Choosing a vet that’s nearby and has more flexible hours of operation can help you get your dog to the clinic in cases of emergency. If your vet offers emergency drop-off options and can work with you on appointments during the work week, there’s a good chance they’re the right fit for you.

A good vet will help educate you as to the right choices for your dog when it comes to nutrition, supplements, activity levels, and more. Find a vet that makes you feel comfortable enough to ask questions so you’re never in the dark when it comes to your dog’s well-being. Speaking of nutrition - did you know that you can find Pawsitively Pure human-grade dog food in certain veterinary offices in Central Florida? Click here to find out where you can find our food.