7 Benefits of an Online Veterinary Consultation

Having a pet in your home is a fun and rewarding experience but does come with a set of responsibilities. Making sure your pet is healthy and happy is a top priority for most pet parents and a part of that care is regular vet clinic visits.  

But some pets can get anxious and restless when visiting a vet clinic and it may be difficult to get them to visit the vet and behave causing a lot of stress to them and the owner. This is where asking your PetPA NZ experts can come in handy for advice and those times when you’re not quite sure if a face-to-face vet visit is required. 

Here are some of the benefits of booking an online vet consultation: 

1. Not all conditions require a visit to the vet clinic 

Depending on the issue you are having with your pet you may have to visit the vet clinic face to face. If there is a serious accident, health concern or a physical examination is needed you will need to visit a vet clinic. But you may decide to book an online vet appointment if you already know your pet’s medical history and can describe the changes you’ve noticed in your pet's health for the veterinarian to assess and give appropriate advice on. 

2. Have the online vet consultation from the comfort of your home 

Life is busy and sometimes we can struggle to book veterinary appointments unless it is an immediate emergency. If you’re not sure if the symptoms your pet is showing requires veterinary attention, booking an online consultation can help ease your mind and potentially save you a trip to the afterhours veterinary clinic for care.  

3. Peace of mind for you as pet parent 

In situations where you feel unsure of what is happening to your pet, an online consultation might relieve your stress until your next physical vet appointment. If your pet is quite restless at the vet, it’s also an opportunity to avoid the anxiety they may feel but still receive the advice you are seeking from a professional expert.  

4. The convenience of mobile apps and messaging services for your appointments 

Online consultations allow you to connect over audio/video call and give you access to messaging services you wouldn’t otherwise receive in a traditional clinic. You can have all your questions and concerns answered for complete peace of mind and walk away armed with knowledge to help you in the future. 

5. Reduced pet care costs on vet visits

Visiting a vet clinic costs significantly more than online consultations. You may not need to spend a lot on minor issues and can instead opt for consulting a vet online. 

6. Our online veterinarians can provide expert advice and educational support

Our online vet consultations are with vets who have multiple years of experience in the industry handling a variety of different situations and pets. They can provide further information on sources of information so that this also enhances your knowledge of watching for signs or symptoms and catering to your pet’s daily needs. 

7. Immediate answers to your pet related questions

Instead of consulting Google and being confused with all the different information that pops up this service offers instant answers to your concerns. The advice you receive in your online consultation will be your trusted first line response. 

What can I use an online veterinary consultation for? 

An online veterinary consultation can be used for a variety of different symptoms your pet may be experiencing:  

• Upset tummies, vomiting and diarrhea  
• Itchy skin – why they are scratching and what you can do to help them 
• Toxin advice – if your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have 
• Skin and ear problems and advice on which products to use  
• Parasite prevention – fleas, ticks and worming 
• Coughing and sneezing excessively 
• Eye problems  
• First aid and wound care for any minor accidents 
• Lumps and bumps  
• Limping and lameness 
• Behaviour and training advice and solutions 
• Product information and what is best suited for your pet 

Please note that online veterinarians can’t legally diagnose or prescribe medications because a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) has not been established. 

Additionally, our vets can provide advice on: 

• Dental care: how to take care of teeth and gums and provide any product recommendations 
• Grooming advice for your pet's coat: how to care for your pet’s skin health 
• The right pet for you and your family environment 
• New puppy and kitten support and any additional advice or resources you may need  
• Diet advice: giving your pet the right nutrients at their life stage to help support health and wellbeing 
• Preventative Care: Fleas, ticks and worming advice as well as vaccination information 
• First Aid: Bandages and any advice on wound care 
• Puppy and Kitten proofing your home for your new furry family member 

How to get the most from your online veterinary consultation  

As there is no hands-on exam in an online veterinary consultation, be prepared to give as much detail as possible about your pet. The more thorough you can be including providing pictures or videos the more helpful your online vet can be! 

Be ready to answer any symptom-based questions. An online veterinarian will ask similar questions to your regular veterinarian and will give advice on the next steps needed depending on your individual case. You might be asked to describe your concerns, how your pet is acting, if they are eating and drinking well and if they are on any medications or have any known medical conditions. Make sure you are in an area that has strong connection coverage for the call! 

How does a Your PetPA online veterinary consultation work?  

Our online veterinary consultations are available through our website here you can choose to speak with a registered veterinarian via a video call and select the time that best suits you. 

Shop at Your PetPA online store for these vets’ recommended brands and treats. Thriving Pets+ members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.    

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