When you bring a dog into your life, you are responsible from that
day forward for his dog nutrition, dog safety, dog health and dog care.
But finding a stellar veterinarian doesn’t just happen by accident. Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right vet for you and your dog:
Communication
Get the family together for a conference. Share your thoughts about
what qualities in a veterinarian are important to all of you. Make a
list of questions and concerns to ask every vet you interview. Also get
references from breeders, shelter and dog rescues or other dog owners.
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited
Investigate the veterinarian’s education and experience. Does the
clinic or hospital have AAHA approval? Although many excellent clinics
are not AAHA members, such membership does ensure a certain level of
medical care.
Community Involvement
Does the veterinarian get involved with the community? Do they
invite dogs and owners to visit the clinic and staff socially, during
times of wellness as we as need?
Philosophies
Ask the veterinarian about their philosophies. Do they mesh with
yours? How does the veterinarian respond to your own question and
concerns about canine care? Does this seem like someone with whom you’ll
be able to communicate?
Access to medical information
Whether from a doctor or a technician, see if you can get timely
answers to your medical questions. If your pet is hospitalized, can you
call as often as you want for updates?
Medical equipment/Services
A good hospital should have access to x-ray, ultrasound, dentistry,
in-house lab tests, IV pumps, blood pressure, and eye pressure
monitoring, as well as the ability to send out labs and refer to
specialists. And also inquire about any areas of health care that are
specific to your pet. Does the doctor offer those special dog care
services?
Open access to all areas
Ask for a tour of the hospital. A good hospital is going to be proud
of their facility and want to show you everything. There is one
exception: a medical procedure being performed that requires privacy.
Interaction
Observe how the veterinarian interacts with the animals in the
clinic. Do they project calm-assertive energy? If possible, introduce
the veterinarian to your dog in a casual, friendly manner—long before
you go for a visit. Be sure to sense the energy of your dog around the
veterinarian to see if he is comfortable around them.
Vet techs and assistants
Do they seem knowledgeable about and sensitive to animals? Ask about
the longevity of the medical and nursing staff. Staff members who feel
empowered to do good medicine and nursing care tend to stay with a
practice longer.
Hours
You need to be sure that the clinic is open hours that are
convenient for you. However, long hours are not as important as good
communication and dog care.
