It is important to choose the correct vet for the development and long term health of your pet . In this article , we will explore what the differences are between vet offices and try to help you find the right vet for your pet and your family .
Stray
Thoughts Fall 2020
One of the largest factors in veterinary medicine these days is choosing a methodology . Some vets practice traditional medicine and others take a holistic approach to healing . Traditional medicine would remind you of going to the doctor and typically involves vaccines and surgeries to deal with health issues that arise . Holistic healing generally focuses on natural treatments and lifelong nutritional choices that prevent medical issues before they start . The vet you choose should utilize a methodology that you believe in and should likely mirror your beliefs on medicine utilized for humans . In addition to the two extremes of these approaches , I have found a large number of vets that are open-minded to both approaches . In my opinion , this gives you as the pet ’ s owner the most amount of information to digest and choose between in the care of your four-legged companions .
The second largest factor is the size of the vet practice . Let ' s focus on the two extremes that I see the most often , single veterinary practices compared to large multi-vet clinics . At a single veterinary practice you have the advantage of knowing the vet you are dealing with and most of the time , you ’ ll also know all of the employees at the practice as well . It gives you that personalized feel . Large multi-vet clinics generally do not have this feel and you likely won ’ t know the front desk staff and might not even know the vet that you are working with . Large vet offices do however have a leg up in the fact that the different vets can provide their experiences to each other and provide an overall more comprehensive experience . Many of these practices have more equipment and offer extended hours and possibly even emergency care . When done well , a large vet practice with multiple vets can provide more support for your pet . A good middle ground that I have experienced is a single veterinarian who will recommend a larger or educational vet ( an educational facility generally has students , multiple instructors and tend to have leading edge research and equipment ) when they experience issues that need a second opinion or equipment that they don ’ t have .
Ask the Trainer Find the Right Vet
that fit your requirements in your area . Look at online reviews as they will tell you a lot about the practice and how they do business . It is important to look at how they handle any bad reviews that they have online , there should be a response and it should show if they handle difficult situations in a reasonable manner .
Now that you have a short list of vets that meet your criteria , I would suggest to set up a first time appointment and conduct it much like an interview . Rate your experiences with each vet from the booking experience through how they handle their waiting room . You ’ d be amazed at the different booking technologies and waiting room experiences I have seen . I ’ ve even visited a vet that has free beer and live music inside of their waiting room . Ask the vets questions that you are concerned about and see what their answers are . Here is a list of questions that you can utilize :
• How frequently do you want to see my pet ?
• What tests do you recommend that my pet have to ensure they are healthy ?
• Which vaccinations do you recommend ?
• Which foods / treats do you recommend for dogs ?
• What exercise do you recommend for my dog ?
• What is your thought on a holistic healing approach ?
• What is your thought on the use of CBD oil for dogs ?
• Should I purchase pet insurance ?
• Which Flea and Tick medication do you recommend ?
• Do you perform surgeries or do you recommend a veterinary hospital that does ?
Asking multiple vets these questions will give you a wealth of knowledge about the health of your pet , but in addition should give you a great insight on the vet ’ s beliefs and their practice . You are looking for a vet that is knowledgeable on all of these topics , aligns with your views , and takes their time to discuss the topics with you . Remember that looking for a vet is a process to ensure that your pet is healthy and lives the longest life possible !
After making your decision on those two topics , you should have enough information to look at the vet offices around you and begin to do your research . Look up vets
Visit www . suburban-k9 . com or call ( 847 ) 232-1269
6