Choosing a Veterinarian

Your veterinarian is the most important professional in your dog’s life. Choosing a good veterinarian can go beyond just their skills. There should be open communication, with questions answered with care.

A good veterinarian listens as well as speaks. After all if he doesn’t listen how can he get your dog’s symptoms when ill? If he has the attitude that owners are poorly educated checkbooks then how do you know that he really has your pet’s best interest at heart? 

Some veterinarians also train for holistic methods. Is the solution to everything a shot or a pill? If it is are you comfortable with that? There are drugs out now for overweight dogs – barring medical issues this is solved much easier by limiting portions and taking the bowl up! Pills aren’t the solution to everything.

Of course like all of us veterinarians have their beliefs and preferences as to pet care. Finding a vet that will work with you is important – one who is compassionate yet professional.

Imagine you enter the veterinarian’s office and he takes your dog, puts a slip leash on her, snubs her to a stainless steel wall/table where she falls and struggles, choking herself in a panic and forbids you to comfort her. Would you return to the vet – or trust him out of sight with her? Most would not!

On the other hand you have a sick puppy suspected of mushrooms and the vet takes the history, the piece you have, the information needed and says “I’m not sure – let me do some checking.” He gets on the phone while his assistant gets on the computer. Sadly it’s too late to save the pup – but they got answers and did everything they possibly could.

When you get another dog which vet will you go to? Most owners would not hesitate in saying the second one! A clean facility that is well stocked is important, but the facility is nothing without people who care for animals. The people that make every effort to take care of your pet in health will do the same when illness or accident strikes – and a good veterinarian is worth a great deal when minutes count!

Your dog’s health rests in your hands as an owner and in your veterinarian’s as a professional. Many pets do not see the veterinarian unless ill or injured – and at that point it is too late to have questions. Choose your veterinarian wisely – your pet’s life may depend on it.