Did you just move into a new town? Or are you unsatisfied with your dog’s current veterinarian? Don’t settle for less. Not all veterinarians are made equal. Read the following steps on how to choose a veterinarian for your dog.
5 things to consider when choosing a veterinarian
Being a hands-on pet owner is an amazing experience when parenting a dog. However, at some point, things may become challenging as expected. Like humans, your dog is also prone to different illnesses no matter how healthy your dog is.
That’s why having a veterinarian is very important. But how do you choose the right one for your dog? Take a look at these 5 tips on how to choose a veterinarian for your dog.
Determine what your dog’s need
Before asking your friends for recommendations or searching online for the best veterinarians nearby, the first thing you have to do is to decide what exactly does your dog needs.
If he has a specific health problem, like kidney disease, then you might need a veterinary specialist in that area. If there’s no specific concern, then you can choose a more inexpensive and general animal clinic.
Keep in mind though, that no matter what kind of veterinarian you need, make sure that the vet was accredited by The American Board of Veterinary Specialists (ABVS) or American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Consider the Location and Cost
When choosing a veterinarian for your dog, you should also consider its convenience to you. It is a smart idea to choose a vet clinic that is located less than an hour away from your home.
Check if it is accessible by public transport or if there parking spaces available if you’re driving a car. The clinic’s working hours are another aspect to be mindful of especially at times of emergencies.
Ask about their payment options and the costs of services. Make sure that the prices are reasonable and something that you can commit to in the long term.
Schedule a visit
On your initial visit, it is not necessary to bring your dog with you. The most important agenda is to get all of your questions answered. Don’t be shy!
Remember that these people will handle your beloved pooch so it’s important to understand how they operate. Green flags include a clean facility, other pet owners waiting in the lobby, friendly and empathetic staff, and updated equipment.
Discuss pain management and the vet’s ethical principles
This aspect is commonly being overlooked when choosing a veterinarian for your dog, but it is honestly as important as the others. Each veterinarian has different treatment philosophies.
For example, what is their stand about spaying and neutering, euthanasia, and pain medications? If you are not able to clarify this beforehand, you might have a conflict with the vet in the future. So ensure that the vet’s ethical principles align with yours.
Your dog should be comfortable with the vet
Once you have zero in on the veterinarian that you think is the best for you and your pet, it’s time for the meet-and-greet. Does your dog feels relax and cozy with his new vet?
Is the vet attentive to your dog and shows genuine love and care? If the answer is yes to both, then congratulations! You’ve found the perfect vet for your dog
When choosing a veterinarian for your dog, make sure that everything discussed above is met. Yes, it will take a bit of time and effort, but it will save you from headaches and wasted money in the future.
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