Put Pauline Machado
The health of pets deserves attention at all times, whether in emergencies, check-ups preventive or palliative care.
And, over the years, Veterinary Medicine has kept pace with the increase in the number of multi-species families in Brazil and around the world. Today it is possible to perform elaborate examinations on pets and also to treat them more calmly in the pet's own home, avoiding the stress of having to take them to the clinic.
But with so many options, a common question arises among family members: when should you opt for in-home veterinary care and when should you take your pet to the clinic?
This is the topic I'm going to detail for you today. But, I want to make it clear that there's no right or wrong answer; the choice depends on the clinical picture, the animal's needs, and the infrastructure necessary for effective care.
Knowing the advantages and limitations of each type of care helps you make a more informed decision, always keeping the pet's well-being and safety in mind. Therefore, follow the guidelines and share them with your family and friends!
Enjoy your reading.
Serious emergencies – Situations such as trauma, being hit by a car, seizures, hemorrhages, poisoning, and respiratory difficulties should be immediately evaluated at veterinary clinics or hospitals, as these places have life support equipment, quick access to examinations, and a team prepared for emergency interventions that can save the animal's life.
Routine check-ups or check-ups – Preventive assessments, periodic health checkups, follow-up appointments, clinical screenings, or behavioral observations can all be comfortably performed in the home environment. In these cases, home visits provide greater comfort for the animal and avoid unnecessary travel, especially when the animal is healthy.
Complex laboratory and imaging tests – As I said, Veterinary Medicine is constantly evolving, and X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood tests for laboratory examinations can now be performed in the comfort of the pet's home. However, when the case requires more detailed examinations using specific equipment, which is often only available at the clinic, it is necessary for the pet to be in a prepared environment with technicians and adequate infrastructure for the safe collection, analysis, and interpretation of results.
Animals with difficulty moving or intense pain – In patients with osteoarthritis, neurological diseases, or post-surgical conditions, transportation to the clinic can worsen pain or cause significant discomfort. In these cases, home visits avoid painful movements and allow the veterinarian to assess the animal in the real context of its daily life.
Elderly family members – Many elderly people have a dog or cat as their main daily companion, but at the same time, they have limitations in being able to take their furry friend to a veterinary clinic, given their own mobility difficulties, the challenges of finding a ride-sharing service that accepts pets, even though there are now several pet taxi services. There is also the challenge of mobility and physical strength to hold the pet inside a carrier. Therefore, for elderly family members, the ideal, depending on the case, is for their pet to be seen at home, except in cases requiring emergency medical intervention.
Infectious cases or cases requiring isolation – Animals suspected of having infectious diseases, such as sporotrichosis, distemper, parvovirus, or feline influenza, should be treated in a controlled environment, i.e., in a veterinary hospital or clinic. This type of care protects other animals and humans who may come into contact with the patient and allows for appropriate biosecurity measures, reducing the risk of transmission.
Vaccination, deworming and ectoparasite control – These preventative procedures are simple and can be perfectly performed at home. The veterinarian can bring the necessary supplies and apply the products safely, reducing stress for the animal and its family, and facilitating adherence to the preventative health schedule.
Stress reduction – Especially for cats, senior animals, or pets with a history of fear of cars and clinics, home visits offer a much more tranquil experience, as they avoid the stress of being in a carrier, traveling in a car, and being in an unfamiliar environment like a clinic. This contributes to the quality of the consultation and reduces defensive behaviors that hinder the overall assessment of the patient.
Intensive care – When a pet requires ongoing care, such as intravenous fluids, vital sign monitoring, or administration of complex medications, hospitalization is essential. The multidisciplinary team and specialized equipment can provide support that cannot be achieved at home.
Respect your pet's behavior – Each animal has a unique personality. Some are naturally sociable and cope well with new environments, while others exhibit excessive fear, aggression, or paralysis in the face of different stimuli, such as smells, sounds, and unfamiliar people, common in veterinary clinics. Forcing a sensitive dog or cat to go through this stress can hinder diagnosis and worsen their emotional state. For these cases, home visits are a gentler, more respectful, and efficient option, as the veterinarian can examine them in an environment where they feel safe, calm, and in control.
Assessment of the home environment – Home visits offer veterinarians the opportunity not only to assess the dog or cat, but also to observe routines, resting places, feeding, and the animal's interaction with the house, family members, and other pets. This allows for more precise guidance for pet owners on necessary adjustments to improve the pet's well-being in their own space.
Now that we have a better understanding of when to prioritize in-home veterinary care and when to take our pet to the clinic, we must keep in mind that the final decision should always prioritize three basic points: the safety, comfort, and clinical needs of the dog or cat.
Therefore, there is no single formula: the important thing is that the choice between clinic and home visits is made based on the animal's real needs, considering its health status, temperament, access to necessary resources, and the purpose of the treatment!
