Choosing a Vet For Your Dog - A Dog Owners Checklist

Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship you have with your veterinarian is going to be a long one. It's a worthwhile investment of your time and energy to shop around carefully to find a vet whom you'll be comfortable with for years. If you don't feel that you can communicate openly and honestly with your animal doctor, then keep searching.

The first thing you should look for in a vet is someone who you believe will be able to communicate with you. This person's first job will be to diagnose what's ailing your dog or to try and figure out why your pet is behaving a certain way. Next, the vet should be able to explain the problem to you in a way that you can understand. The vet should then be open to any questions you need answered until you feel fully satisfied and confident that you know what your dog needs and how you can take care of it. You shouldn't stop searching until you find a vet who is both qualified and personable enough for you.

There are many resources to help you find the best veterinarian. No matter where you live, start out by asking friends or other family members. You might ask questions such as: Who do you use? Does he explain what's ailing your animal clearly? Is he good with certain breeds? If they know of a qualified vet, they may save you a lot of searching.

Another option, growing ever popular, is an online search. Many chat-rooms, newsgroups and clinic web pages are both valuable and innovative methods of assessing what's available. Additionally, if you can find the contact information to a private rescue clinic (many of which are not in the phone book) online, you may be able to ask them which vets they have worked with.

Once you have a list to choose from, you can call or even visit different clinics. You first question should be in regard to their office hours. Are they open late? Do they have an emergency service phone number available? Are they open on weekends? Again, this would be just in case there's ever an emergency.

Next, assess the staff. This may be hard over the phone, because like any medical facility, they're often busy places. So, it may be best to do this in person. Are they friendly, knowledgeable and helpful? Are they used to handling animals, especially dogs carefully? If your dog is large, can they handle him without injuring or frightening him more? One ingenious way to find this out is to schedule a "nail clipping" appointment. Don't test ten different veterinary clinics in one week, as this will tire your dog excessively. Visit the clinic for a preliminary test of all that has been stated. This will get you on the "inside" and will help you make a well-founded, first-hand appraisal of the clinic and its faculty.

There are a few final issues to resolve before your assessment is over.

• Is the clinic is a multi-doctor clinic, or a one-person show.
• If there are many doctors, can you choose a veterinarian who will work with you and your dog exclusively?.
• What are the charges for basic services (vaccinations, nail clipping)?.
• What types of payment do they accept?.
• Are there low cost vaccinations available?.
• Are the veterinarians on staff a part of any continuing educational programs?.
• Is the facility up-to-date with the latest practices and technology (diagnostic, surgical, laser, ultrasound, and aftercare services)?.
• Will they allow you to tour the boarding facilities?.
• Are these facilities clean?.

Again, getting an inside view of the place will help you answer all of these questions both quickly and accurately. Finally, if you feel like you've found your new veterinarian, celebrate! This was an important step in making your dog part of the family. Rest assured that you have done your part for your pet's well being.

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

---

Clicker Training For Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training

There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More

Telepathic Communication With Animals

Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More

Water Chemistry For The Discus Tank

Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More

What is It About Horses and Young Girls?

In a world of computer games, the Internet and shopping... Read More

Tropical Fish Breeding for Beginners - Guppies and Swordtails

Breeding tropical fish can be a lot of fun. Try... Read More

Tired of Vet Bills?

Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More

Toby ? My Whirling Twirling Sheltie

Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More

How Intelligent is Your Dog

It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More

Is Dog Dental Care Necessary?

Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More

Dog Training Basics

All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More

Different Dog Foods For Different Dog Ages

Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More

How to Deal With a Noisy Dog - Curing Uwanted and Excessive Barking

Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More

Wisdom... Wolves!

Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this... Read More

Hypoallergenic Dogs

When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More

What You Need to Know Before Adopting an Older Dog

Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More

Stop Your Dog From Pulling You Down The Street

From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More

So You Want an American Pit Bull Terrier?

You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More

Approach: The Third of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse

In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More

Is Dog Obedience School for You?

Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More

The One-Minute Horse Training Manager

If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More

Rabbit As Pet

Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More

Dog Clicker Training

Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More

Ears Stand Corrected: Cosmetic Surgery and Pets

Are you irritated by your dog's drooping ears or your... Read More

Comparison of the Cost and Effectiveness of Holistic Horse Care versus Conventional Care

After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More

Is There Taurine In Your Dogs Food?

Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More

Dogs: Buy or Adopt?

Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More

4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him

Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More

Dog Behavior Training: Methods of Working with a Shy Dog

Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More

My Fathers Daughter

My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More

Puppy Basics: Potty-Training, Reprimanding, and Rewards...

Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More

How to Housebreak Your Dog or Puppy

Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More

Training Your Dog?Is It Worth The Effort Or Is It Just A Waste Of Time?

Many people feel that taking the time to train their... Read More

GPS Pet Tracking

If you have a dog or cat that is an... Read More