So you’ve got a dog, and this is great news. We’re so excited for you!
But there’s a lot that goes into caring for your new best friend—and one of the most important things is ensuring they get the best care possible. From making sure you have the right food and treats to making sure they’re getting plenty of exercise, you’ll need to be vigilant in keeping them healthy and happy.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure their health is to choose the right vet. But how do you know which one is right?
While there are plenty of wonderful vets out there, we want to make sure that you know what to look for before settling on one. This article will walk you through how to find a vet that is well-suited for your dog’s needs and your personality as well.
When do you need a vet for your dog?
Dogs are amazing, wonderful creatures. They are loyal to us; they love us unconditionally, and they have this way of melting our hearts that only they can do so effortlessly. But like other living things, they get sick sometimes, too.
As a pet owner, you want to give your dog the best care possible. Knowing when you should take your dog to the vet can help you do just that.
The first thing to know is that dogs can’t talk (we wish they could—how cool would it be if they could use emojis??). So it’s up to us as their owners to understand what types of behaviors could show a need for medical attention, and then be able to interpret those behaviors in our pets.
Some reasons that your dog may need a vet include:
- Excessive barking or meowing
- Excessive licking or chewing
- Changes in appetite or thirst
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or tiredness
- Pain or discomfort
- Sudden weight loss
- Sudden excessive shedding
- Vaccinations
- Poisonings
- Yearly routine examination
Importance of choosing a vet for your dog
1. Choosing a vet for your dog is important because you need to know that if something happens to your furry friend, you have someone you can trust to take care of them. That’s why you want to do your research before committing to any veterinarian: it’s good practice to find out what other people are saying about the doctor and their services.
2. Another reason for choosing a vet is important: you will work with them for years—possibly decades! You want to make sure that not only are they qualified professionals but also someone who will listen carefully and understand what makes your dog unique so they can provide the best care possible.
3. It’s important to choose a vet because they will take care of your beloved pet in an emergency, which could mean life or death! You want someone trustworthy who has experience performing this kind of work on animals like yours before—just like with doctors, there’s no substitute for experience when choosing who should care for your dog during an emergency procedure such as surgery or administering drugs through IVs.
Characteristics of a good vet
Choosing a vet for your dog is one of the most important choices you can make as a dog owner. But how do you know if you’re making the right choice? Here are some things to look out for:
1. A good vet will be happy to have you call ahead and ask questions about their practice, their experience, and what they expect from your visit.
2. A good vet will be happy to provide references from other clients, especially other clients who have dogs like yours (e.g., a client with another Golden Retriever).
3. A good vet will understand that your dog’s health is incredibly important to you and will take the time to thoroughly explain all of your options for treatment.
4. A good vet will not try to rush you into deciding or pressure you into doing anything beyond what is absolutely necessary.
5. A good vet will offer suggestions for situations when there’s not a clear-cut solution to your dog’s problem, rather than simply telling you that there’s nothing she can do for your dog and sending you on your way.
Factors to consider before choosing a vet
Looking for a vet can be tough, so here are some factors to keep in mind when searching for the perfect fit for your fur baby.
Location
Think about how far you will drive to get to the vet. Going to a vet outside of your city might be cheaper, but it could also mean that you spend a ton on gas. You should also think about your schedule and how it fits in with that of the vet clinic. If you work during the same hours as your prospective vet, you will want to make sure they offer appointments outside of normal business hours or on weekends.
Budget
Vets charge different prices for their services. If you’re working with a small budget, look for a vet who offers reasonable rates. Even if they’re not located close to you, they may be worth the extra drive.
Experience
How long has the vet been practicing? Choose a veterinarian who has at least ten years of experience under their belt. This way, they’ll know how well certain treatments work on different animals and can provide you with the best possible care for your dog.
Emergency service
Vets are open during business hours, but you need to know if the vet you’re considering has an emergency service for after-hours care. This is important for when your pet is sick and needs immediate care, or if your pet gets seriously injured.
Communication
How well does the veterinarian communicate with you, and how well do they listen? Do they take the time to explain their diagnoses and treatment recommendations in a way that makes sense to you? Do they listen to your concerns and questions? Are they able to work with you and your pet to create a treatment plan that makes sense for you and your pet’s lifestyle?
Reputation
Check for the online reviews. Do they have any negative reviews? Who are they accredited by, if anyone? Have they won any awards or recognitions in their field?
Final thoughts
Finding a veterinarian that is the perfect fit for both you and your canine companion can be a challenge. When you are choosing a vet, it is important to keep in mind that you will have to visit this office many times, possibly with your pet in stressful or painful situations.
You want to find an office that will help you make the right decisions for your dog’s health, not just one that has hours and prices that work for you.
An easy way to narrow down your choices is by asking friends and family who they take their pets to. This can give you an idea of what kind of experience they have had with different clinics, as well as an understanding of how these clinics might differ from one another.
Once you have some recommendations, set up appointments at each clinic so that you can meet the staff and see how well your dog gets along with them.