What to Expect During Your Pet’s Blood Pressure Visit
We’ll always create a pre-visit plan to set your pet up for success. During the appointment, you’re welcome to be as hands-on or hands-off as you’d like. Some pets feel calmer with their pet parent nearby, while others relax more when their parent steps into another room. We’ll help decide what works best for your pet.
Please note:
If we arrive for a scheduled visit and are unable to safely access your pet, the full visit fee will still apply.
Before the Visit: Helpful Considerations
• Does your pet need pre-visit medication? If your pet experiences high fear, stress, or anxiety, we recommend working with your veterinarian to develop a medication plan ahead of time. This greatly improves the chance of a calm visit and accurate blood pressure readings.
• Easy access matters- Please have your pet in an area of the home where we can easily reach them. Try to avoid spaces with furniture where pets can hide underneath or behind.
How We Measure Your Pet’s Blood Pressure
We use a Doppler blood pressure unit, which is the most accurate method for measuring a pet’s systolic blood pressure while they are awake. It is ideal to use a flat surface for your pet to lay on during their blood pressure measurement.
The Quick Overview
Two experienced veterinary nurses perform the measurement—one gently restrains your pet, while the other takes the readings. A very small area of fur is shaved on the foot to allow proper contact. A tiny amount of gel is applied so we can hear the pulse clearly. A cuff is inflated and released to determine blood pressure. Multiple readings are taken to ensure accuracy and look for trends.
Step-by-Step: What Your Pet Will Experience
- Your pet will be gently laid on their side so their heart is level with the limb being used.
- A pet-sized blood pressure cuff is placed just above the wrist or ankle
- A small patch of fur near the foot pad is shaved. Although our clippers are quiet, this can be the most stressful step for some pets.
- A small amount of ultrasound gel is applied to the area. The cool or slippery feeling may surprise some pets.
- The cuff is inflated while the nurse listens for the pulse to fade and return. This process is repeated a few times to ensure reliable results.
- Once we’re finished, we’ll send the results to your veterinarian. They’ll follow up with you directly to discuss the findings and any next steps.