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.