How to Prepare Your Pet for an Imaging Procedure  

A clear and smooth imaging visit starts before your pet reaches the clinic. A well-planned pet imaging preparation helps your dog or cat stay calm and relaxed, ensuring clearer pictures and speeding up the diagnostic process. In this blog, we discuss a practical guide with veterinary care tips, pet diagnostics prep and a sensible pet health check plan designed for families in Tarneit, Melbourne.      

Why Pet Imaging Preparation is Crucial?  

Imaging, such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, or CT, helps your vet see what normal eyes and ears can’t.    

• Reduces motion blur for sharper images   

• Minimises stress for anxious pets   

• Improves safety when sedation or general anaesthesia is needed   

• Shortens appointment time and repeat visits   

At-home Pet Diagnostics Preparation Checklist   

Fasting 

• Dogs or Cats: Usually don’t give food for 8 to 12 hours, but water is often allowed up to 2 to 3 hours before a visit.    

Puppies, Kittens, or Diabetic Pets: The vet clinic clearly creates a plan for fasting and expects you to follow those veterinary care tips. 

Toilet Break 

• Give a good walk to your pets before leaving   

• For some ultrasounds, the vet asks you not to toilet your pet, so the bladder is filled to the right level.    

Medication Plan  

• Bring every medication or supplement to your visit, plus doses and timings.   

• Continue essential medicines unless a vet instructs you.      

Comfort Pack  

• Lead or harness, a familiar blanket and your pet’s favourite treat.    

• Previous vet records, insurance details and your questions list.    

Grooming Equipment  

• Wipe away muddy paws and belly. Avoid heavy coat sprays that can affect ultrasound contact    

Travel Plan   

• Try to reach the vet 10 minutes early to settle the pet   

• Keep carriers’ level and covered, especially for cats   

Essential Veterinary Care Tips You Need to Follow  

Food  

• If sedation is likely, follow the fasting times to reduce anaesthetic risks.    

• If sedation is unlikely, your vet may allow a light food, but it is better to confirm first.    

Water  

• A moderately full bladder helps with many abdominal ultrasounds.    

• Usually, it is fine until a few hours before arrival unless told otherwise.   

Medications  

• Diabetic affected dogs or cats require a custom pet diagnostics prep plan to coordinate insulin and food.    

• Seizure or critical medicines is not advisable unless your vet says so.     

Pre-Visit Pet Health Check is Essential  

Before conducting the imaging process, your vet team typically does the following:   

• Review history, current medications, allergies and behaviour   

• Order pre-anaesthetic bloods if anaesthesia is likely to be given   

• Conduct a nose-to-tail pet health check, which includes heart, lungs, joints and abdomen   

• Confirm the required scan type and explain potential risks, benefits and expenses   

• Provide written veterinary care tips, including fasting and water instructions.    

This ensures your pet’s diagnostics prep matches the chosen modality and your pet’s health. 

Special Considerations for Certain Pets  

• Aged Pets: These get extra screening, and personalised protocols are followed to support anaesthetic safety.    

• Anxious Pets: Ask about pheromone sprays, pre-visit anxiolytics and silent appointment slots.    

What Happens on Imaging Day?  

• Check-in & Consent: Rapid reconfirmation of details and a brief pet health check.    

• Set-up & Positioning: Pets are handled gently, and mild sedation may be suggested to keep them still and safe.    

• Communication: You get clear updates on timing, and some scans are complete as you wait.   

How to Take Care of Your Pet After Imaging?  

• Post-Sedation: Mild dizziness or a sleepy feeling for 12 to 24 hours is normal, and it is better to restrict them from playing or climbing stairs.    

• Hydration: Give fresh water as soon as they get back on their feet.    

• Feeding: Once they become fully alert, provide them with a small meal and, if advised, split the dinner into smaller servings.    

• Skin or Coat: Ultrasound often requires shaving a small patch, but it is unnecessary to worry about this, as it grows faster.    

If you are in and around Tarneit or greater Melbourne, visiting Tarneit Veterinary Clinic is a wise step to look after your pet.  

Choose Tarneit Veterinary Clinic for Tailored Pet Health Checks  

At Tarneit Veterinary Clinic, we aim to make even the most complicated medicine feel simple and efficient for your pet.   

From clear pre-visit calls to a calm waiting room, meticulous monitoring and post-scan guidance, our specialists are here to handle. We provide support from pet imaging preparation, practical veterinary care tips and a thorough pet health check, all under one roof.   

Contact us to schedule an appointment for your pet’s check-up!