Your cat has been shaking their head nonstop, and it looks like they have an ear infection. You call your vet’s office to see when they can fit you in for an appointment. They say in five days. Five days!
Frustrated, you call around, and no one is available. Inspiration strikes, and you check online. With the rapid emergence of telehealth, you can have your cat examined by a vet immediately.
When Should You Consider Using an Online Vet
Knowing when you can or cannot use an online vet service might be difficult. The following are times when online veterinary care can benefit you and your pet:
- Evaluating behaviors your dog only exhibits at home
- Behavior changes such as anxiety and whether medications might help
- Weight check-ins
- Review signs of illness that your pet might exhibit
- Allergy maintenance
- Visual skin inspections
- Choosing flea or heartworm prevention
At times, an in-person exam is essential, such as:
- Annual blood work visits
- Vaccine appointments
- Bleeding
- Acute allergic reactions
- Possible toy or toxic substance ingestion
The 9 Steps on How to Get a Vet Prescription Online
1. Figure out which veterinary telehealth service is suitable.
Your veterinarian might offer telehealth services, which are excellent because these visits can often be linked to your account and pet’s history.
Depending on your state, not all online visits are created equal. Some states require that you have established an in-person veterinary-patient-client relationship before medication can be prescribed via a telehealth meeting. However, this is not always the case.
Your pet might require a more specialized telehealth visit via the phone or internet, such as when contacting the Pet Poison Helpline. They’ll make toxicology recommendations to your veterinarian (and often you).
2. Gather any pertinent history to give to your online veterinarian.
A complete history is essential for your veterinarian to diagnose and potentially treat your pet. An organized approach makes explaining your cat’s condition to the vet much easier, which is especially helpful since they can’t examine your pet in person.
3. Schedule a time for your pet’s consultation.
Consider having someone available to help you with your pet during the visits so that you can focus on answering your veterinarian’s questions. This extra person can help restrain your dog or cat, assist in positioning your pet so that the vet can see more clearly, or they can help take photos of skin lesions.
4. Answer your veterinarian’s questions to the best of your ability.
Many of us are guilty of embellishing the truth at one time or another, but your vet really needs you to say nothing but the truth. They’re not looking at your cat or dog in person, so they will need a very accurate picture. Knowing exactly how something smells, sounds, and looks is vital.
5. Get a diagnosis and review the treatment plan with your veterinarian.
Depending on how your vet plans to treat your pet, your furry family member might need prescription medications or a dosage adjustment of their current medication. Your vet might recommend over-the-counter treatment, such as Vetericyn, wound spray, or probiotics.
6. Ask the veterinarian about follow-up plans.
Depending on the circumstances, some veterinarians will want you to have a follow-up visit with an in-person vet exam. They may also refer you directly to a veterinary specialty hospital or emergency facility.
7. Order your medication.
There are several options for fulfilling prescription medications or diets. Some online veterinarian telehealth programs partner with an online retailer like Chewy.com. Sometimes, prescriptions can be sent to a local pharmacy for pick up.
8. Initiate treatment for your pet and monitor their progress.
When you have your veterinarian’s directions, it’s time to implement the treatment plan.
Follow the directions carefully, such as the frequency of bathing or how much food to feed for weight loss. Photos taken at home can help you track your progress. You could photograph skin lesions or keep a chart of your pet’s weight weekly.
9. Follow up with your veterinarian.
Schedule a recheck appointment with your vet in person or via telehealth so the veterinarian can evaluate your cat’s progress and make changes as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a virtual vet prescribe antibiotics?
A virtual vet can only prescribe antibiotics or other prescription medications within the scope of the laws of your state. Generally, you must already have a valid VPCR (vet-patient-client relationship).
What are some advantages of veterinary telemedicine?
Generally speaking, many telehealth visits are less expensive than in-room exams. You also usually have fewer extraneous costs associated with it, such as missing work or gas to get to the veterinary clinic. You can often find more convenient times for telemedicine.
Conclusion
In many areas, telemedicine is becoming increasingly common for both human medical concerns and those of our pets. The laws and restrictions on telemedicine are constantly changing, but your veterinarian or telehealth service will be able to let you know if they can prescribe medication for your dog or cat.
Featured Image Credit: Miriam Doerr Martin Frommherz, Shutterstock
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