Veterinary Dog Care - How to Choose a Vet

So, when is the best time to find a vet?

When you don't need one, that's for sure! : )

These are some great tips on finding a vet:

1. Word of mouth - The best place to start looking for a vet is by word of mouth. If you have any friends or relatives who take good care of their dogs ask them who they'd recommend, and why.

2. Another great place to find a vet is through local training clubs (group obedience, agility, herding classes, police K-9 academies, etc.) These organizations are almost guaranteed to place a great deal of importance on high-quality veterinary care, because the health and well-being of their dogs is such a priority. Also go to your local pet supply store. They will be an excellent resource, as well.

3. The local humane society or the kennels in the area should have some recommendations of veterinarians in the area that they use.

Just remember that choosing the right vet is important in veterinary dog care when you aren't in an emergency situation. That way, you are less stressed. Making things easier on yourself, is always a good thing! Don't you think! :=)

Before you decide to start going to a particular vet clinic, test the waters first. Ideally, you want a chance to talk to the vet, and discuss his or her approach to veterinary dog care.

If you are ever in an emergency situation, you want your dog and you to feel comfortable with the level of service and care that you will receive. Not to mention, you want your dog to be cared for immediately. So, a little preparation goes a long way...you will be thanking yourself later for asking these questions!

6 Questions you need to ask:

1. Can you come in and introduce your dog?

2. Can you look over the premises? If they don't allow it, they may be trying to hide the condition of the examining rooms, boarding areas, etc.

3. How many vets are on staff? If you need to make an urgent appointment, you don't want to be waiting around while precious minutes tick past. Ideally, there'll be at least two qualified veterinarians on hand (not just technicians or assistants.)

4. Do you have after-hours emergency care? If not, do you refer elsewhere? A lot of clinics close the doors in the evenings and on weekends, which means that if there's an emergency, you'll have to go somewhere else - and subject your dog (and yourself) to an unfamiliar vet. (If you don't mind this, then that's fine; but be aware that in a high-stress situation when emotions are running high, it's reassuring for your dog and yourself to deal with someone familiar.)

5. What kind of testing capabilities do you offer? If they have to send away to a lab for this kind of stuff, it means that the results are going to be delayed. If your dog is very sick, time is an important factor: it's best if the clinic has at least blood-analysis testing on hand.

6. What is the price range? Do you have a payment plan for unexpected bills? The payment-plan option is particularly important. Even with pet insurance, vet bills can sometimes be really high - and not everyone has the money to deal with large vet bills immediately. Ask the clinic how they cater for situations like that.

When choosing veterinary dog care, you're balancing convenience and quality. There's no right or wrong vet for you and your dog - which is partly why making the choice can be so confusing. There are lots of vets to choose from, and they're all different!

Even though it's tempting to go for the one right around the corner with the rock-bottom prices, it really is worthwhile taking the time to shop around. Your dog is utterly dependent on you for their health care - and if you take your dog seriously as a companion and member of the family, you'll want veterinary dog care and to do the best thing by them.

A good vet knows how to take care of you as well as your dog. The relationship that you have with your vet will hopefully be one that's based around a healthy mutual respect and positive synergy - there should be very little scope for misunderstanding. When the two of you see eye to eye, it makes caring for your dog that much easier.