Choosing A Veterinarian
So you've moved to a new area or you have a furry family member addition and you need a Veterinarian. You want to choose your Veterinarian like you would a family physician. Call and/or visit a few clinics, ask a lot of questions, get a feel for the place and then make a decision. A great Veterinarian is an exceptional animal doctor and has terrific people skills. You want a Vet who listens to you, is caring, understands your dog's needs and has extensive animal medical training and knowledge.
To help find a great veterinarian here's a few tips:
When you see a well cared for dog on a walk, at the beach or at a dog park, ask their human who is the family Vet. Ask friends, neighbors & coworkers. Call your local animal shelter, Humane Society, or PAWS and get the who's who in your town. These dedicated people see it all.
When you think you've found your Vet, visit the facility and ask yourself the following questions:
Is it clean, comfortable and well organized?
Are appointments required?
How many veterinarians are on staff?
Are there veterinary technicians?
Are dog and cat kennels in separate areas?
Is the staff caring, calm, competent, & courteous?
Do the Veterinarians have special interests like geriatrics, nutrition, or behavior?
Do the charges for services fit your budget?
Are discounts for seniors, military or multi-pet households available?
Are X-rays, ultrasound, blood work, EKG, and other diagnostics in-house or sent out?
What emergency services are available?
Do I like the location?
The answers to these questions will determine if this is the Veterinarian for you and your K9 family member. If you're still not satisfied, visit another clinic and another until you find the place that suits you and your dog's needs.
Once you've chosen your Veterinarian, take your dog in at least once a year for an annual examination. Some dogs really dislike this part of their life, but who enjoys getting poked and prodded? This minimum annual exam is to keep your dog updated on all their vaccines, check their heart, teeth, lungs, and test for worms. Make the appointment and spend the money. Your dog's worth it.
The typical minimum annual vaccines are the DHLPP and Rabies (some areas allow 2-3 years between Rabies vaccines). This combo annual vaccine includes:
Distemper-This disease affects a wide range of organs.
Hepatitis-This targets the liver.
Leptosporosis-This bad boy causes kidney failure.
Parvovirus-This one goes for the intestines.
Para influenza-This affects the nasal passages, trachea & bronchi.
There are also additional vaccines available for such nasty things as Giardia, Canine cough and Rattlesnake bites. Consult with your Veterinarian to be certain your dog is properly vaccinated based on your dog's age, health and your geographical area. An annual fecal exam is recommended even if your dog is treated monthly with "Heartgard" and "Advantix" as they can still get other types of parasites.
Dogs rely on their human to care for them in the best possible way by keeping them happy and healthy. Do a good job. The rewards are priceless.
Related Tags: dog, dogs, dog training, dog nutrition, dog information, dog supplies, veterinary care, dog stuff
Miss Rae writes continually about animals, their needs & how they make us better people. Hop on over for dog training, nutrition & more at Goodpoopy.com. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- The Time I Had a Pet Blue Wasp
A lot of people have pets such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles and some even have snakes and - Why Should You Buy Barking Collars For Dogs?
You love your dog but he always barks and misbehaves. It is very upsetting for owners to have dogs t - What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
There may be plenty of occasions in your life when a puppy crosses your path and desperately needs a - What Do Pet Insurance Policies Cover?
The most basic pet insurance policies simply cover vet bills. More advanced policies can cover every - Dog Walkers Are They For You
If you own a dog then you will know how important it is to ensure that it is walked often to keep th - Creating the Right First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Most of us have some type of first aid kit in our homes. They are necessary for those small bumps an - Deciding to Crate Your Dog For Training
There are several different ways that you may decide to use to train your new dog and they are all v - What to Know About Diets For Dogs
Weight seems to be a struggle for just about anyone, and that is true in the world of dogs. In fact, - Dog Training Basics - Important Tips to Remember
Training your dog is important. It's important for his safety, your safety, the safety of your prope - Don't Go Raising Sheep For Wool Without Reading This!
There are many possible reasons why people choose to raise sheep. Some do it as a means of livelihoo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy And Dog Information
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not an apartment dog. She needs plenty of room to exercise and havin - How To Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that requires a fair amount of research and - Can Greenies Dog Treats Recover From Death?
A Makeover For Greenies(r) Treats Months after a series of lawsuits and media attention alleged the - Dog Treats - How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items - How to Choose A Good Dog Trainer
If you find that you are not being successful in training your own dog, or maybe you don't have the - Dog Breeds and Asthma Sufferers: Are Hypoallergenic Breeds Always Best?
The first important consideration is to understand exactly what hypoallergenic dog breeds are. In sh - Audubon Bird Feeders
Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby for many of us. We love the antics of the different birds as - Must Have Accessories For Your Fish Tank
When many individuals think of fish tank accessories, decorations are often the first thing that com - The Beautifull Hummingbirds
The hummingbirds diet requires nectar as a source of energy and for their protein source small insec - Clumber Spaniel Puppy And Dog Information
The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent, calm dog great for apartments as they do not need a great dea