There are several elements that are important for helping your dog remain healthy. He needs daily exercise to avoid gaining excess weight; he must eat high-quality foods that provide the right blend of nutrients; he should receive proper dental care. Your pet must also have access to ongoing veterinary care. From routine checkups to emergency treatment, a veterinarian is one of the most important people in your dog’s life. The challenge is finding a professional who is a good fit for your canine.
Below, we’ll take you through the steps to selecting a vet for your pet. There’s more involved than simply choosing someone from the Yellow Pages or online. You’ll learn about details to look for as well as questions to ask.
Tour The Office
Before entrusting your canine to a particular veterinarian, call the person’s office and ask whether you can visit for a tour. This gives you an opportunity to see whether the facility is kept clean and sanitary. Take note of how the visitors’ area is managed. Are there stains on the floor? Does the area appear in disarray? Do you note an unpleasant odor that may suggest dried urine?
This is also a good time to ask about regular office hours, and whether appointments are required or simply encouraged. If appointments are required, ask how far in advance they need to be made.
Test The Veterinarian And Employees
Make sure the vet and office staff are professional, and conduct business in a way that suggests your dog will be in good hands. For example, pay attention to how they treat new clients and their pets. Are they well-mannered with the former and gentle with the latter? Are the employees who work at the front desk well-informed about canines, and the various conditions that affect them?
It’s a good idea to call the veterinarian’s office, and ask specific questions about dogs. This will provide insight into the staff’s willingness to offer helpful Importance Of Dental Care responses on the phone. Also, if there are several vets working at a particular practice, ask if you can choose the person who handles your canine.
Types Of Services Offered
Every clinic is operated differently. Some focus exclusively on dogs while others treat all animals. Some welcome smaller pets, but don’t treat larger ones. Also, keep in mind that many veterinarians maintain normal office hours, and do not provide emergency care. This may not be a problem if they can refer you to a clinic that addresses emergencies.
Find out about the services the vet offers. In addition to routine examinations, can your canine receive dental checkups and cleanings? Does the veterinary clinic offer imaging tests (e.g. x-rays, ultrasound, etc.) to help detect certain physical problems? Ask about diet and exercise planning, grooming, and the types of surgical procedures offered.
Don’t wait to uncover these details. If a particular veterinarian is unable to offer a service your dog needs, learn this upfront so you can find an alternative.
Does The Vet Specialize?
Many veterinarians spend the majority of their time and expertise performing certain services. For example, some vets concentrate on skin disorders; others focus on disorders that affect the eyes; and still others specialize in behavioral issues. A growing number of vets are beginning to focus on surgical procedures, such as those used to treat joint problems, intestinal issues, and respiratory ailments.
Most of these professionals also offer general veterinary care in addition to services associated with their specialties. However, it Objectives Of Oral Hygiene may be difficult to make an appointment for a routine checkup when the vet is booked with surgeries and other specialized treatments.
Also, many general practice veterinarians are happy to refer their customers to trusted specialists. If your canine requires behavioral counseling, orthopedic surgery, or treatment for a severe skin ailment, he can receive the care he needs. As with choosing a pediatrician, conduct due diligence to select a vet that will help your dog stay healthy.