Finding a veterinarian for your pet is a vital part of your pet’s health. So, you may be wondering, where do I start? To help you get over the hump, here are some steps to help you and your pet.
- Word of mouth is a great way to find a vet.
- Ask your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors which vets they use.
- humane societies, animal shelters Y animal rescue organizations they are a fantastic way to find a vet.
- Social networks, for example: Facebook may provide you with links to animal hospitals, veterinarians, and you may see posts from other pet owners.
- On the internet you can find veterinarians simply by typing, how to find a veterinarian?
- Does the clinic have a clean environment?
- Are staff friendly and address pets and owners by name?
- Do they make you feel rushed or welcome?
- Do doctors and staff introduce themselves correctly?
- Do the vet and staff have excellent interpersonal skills?
What to expect at your pet’s first visit to the vet: Be sure to call ahead and reserve your pet’s appointment. At this time, the doctor may not be able to speak with you because he will be extremely busy with his scheduled patients. Your first contact will be with the receptionist who will book your appointment. Have your pet’s medical history handy in case they ask you any unexpected questions. This is a good time to ask about fees, payments, and emergency hours. It is important to have a veterinarian who accepts emergency calls after hours. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the receptionist/assistant. You may be asked to complete standard documents about your pet’s age, name, gender, medical conditions, diet, and vaccinations. The technician may weigh your pet and then take you to a room where he or she will meet with your pet’s doctor for the first time. The veterinarian will then proceed to obtain any medical history from you regarding your pet. It is important that you tell them everything you know about your pet. If you’re coming from another clinic, make sure you have your pet’s medical records or the name of the old clinic with you so your new vet can get your pets’ health records. Your veterinarian may begin the initial exam by:
- Looking in the ears, eyes and mouth of your pets
- Check your pets’ skin for skin irritations, fleas and ticks.
- Feel the abdomen for pain, organs, and abnormalities.
- Genitals for enlargement, discharge and rarity
- Take your pets temperature
- Ask for mixed bread
After the initial exam, your veterinarian may want to perform a routine blood test and ask about spay or neuter your fart (if you haven’t already). Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s necessary vaccinations and will likely give you up-to-date vaccinations. Your doctor can advise you on flea and tick control Y deworm your pet. At this point, you should be able to see the compassion and love your doctor has for animals. Do you talk to your pet? Is it reassuring? Did the doctor and staff make you and your pet feel welcome? Did the doctor take time with you and your pet? Were your questions or concerns answered? In my opinion, when your appointment is over, you should feel good about the animal clinic you just walked out of and there will be a business card safely stored in your wallet with your name, address and phone numbers and a smile on your face for making the right decision. Remember to recommend this vet to your friends, family and co-workers. Finally, sometimes there is simply no cure. Don’t forget that your vet is also feeling the pain and distress. Just like you, he is human and he also loves animals.
