Hey Woofa’s,

As a Dog Lover (from way back) and a Dog Groomer I’m lucky to cross paths with many different dog owners.

I get to talk about dogs a lot and I love it.

A question that’s risen lately is around Veterinarians and knowing which one is the right one to go to.

I offer advice on what we do for Billy – as stated below.

 

 

WHAT VETERINARIANS WE USE FOR BILLY?

Billy has 2 Vets –  a House Call Vet that comes to the house and he just does the basic stuff – eg: vaccinations!

If Billy has something more that needs to be taken care of we go to a local Veterinarian Clinic.

Why do we have two you ask?

Billy finds the Vet Clinic very overwhelming which causes his anxiety to go through the roof.

He hasn’t had any bad experiences there!   I believe it’s all the smells and he’s not a cat fan!!

We always make sure we wait in the car for our appointment and that there’s no-one in the waiting room when we walk through.

If we do that it lessens his anxiety.

He’s only actually been to a vet clinic 4 times –  to be de-sexed, to have fatty lumps checked out and twice when he did both ACL’s!

So for him his constant Vet is the same man who does the same stuff at our house (Billy’s safe zone).

And it works for him and for us.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST VET FOR YOUR DOG?

I have many Dog Grooming customers with all different sized dogs.

And they all use the Vet that suits them and their dog the best.

Here’s some tips on how to go about choosing the best vet for you and your dog –

 

1. Ask Around

One idea, if you’re not sure which Vet to go to, is to ask other dog owners which Vet they go to.  Then ask WHY they go to that Vet and WHY they like that Vet?

 

2. Join local Facebook pages

If you have a specific breed of dog and follow local Facebook pages for that breed, ask people with the same breed of dog which Vet they use.

 

3. Look Up Reviews

Search through your local Veterinarians and check out the reviews.

 

4. Know Your Dog’s Needs

When we go to the Vet Clinic with Billy, we ask if we can wait in the car and they call when they’re ready for us.

We also ask that no-one is in the waiting area when we walk through and they are very accommodating for this.

We don’t do it because Billy is aggressive (he’s not), we do it so it doesn’t heighten his anxiety.

If your dog needs some extra TLC when going to a Vet clinic, you want a Vet that will accommodate this.

A customer of mine has a huge dog who is a gentle giant but if you didn’t know this of him, to look at him he looks intimidating!

So he’s chosen a Vet that works well with his big dog.

 

5.  Call The Vet Clinic and Have a Chat with Them

This way you’ll get an idea on how they work and how they are.

Ask whatever questions you need to ask – consultations fees, do they have Vetpay or Afterpay, can they accommodate your dog, their opening hours etc

Be honest with them and say you’re looking around for a Vet that will suit your dog, and see what they say.

This way you can gauge if they are the right fit for your dog.

If they don’t have the time then and there to chat, ask when is better to call with your questions and see what they say.

You want someone who is going to take the time you and your dog need.

 

6. Know That It’s Okay to Ask Your Vet Questions

If I have questions at the Vet I ask them and I keep asking until I understand exactly what they’re saying.

Even if they have to say it in layman’s terms so I understand.

I’ve had so many people who have come in with things their Vet has said to them, and I ask them more questions about said things and they have no answers!!

For example – a young lady brought her 2 year old puppy in for a groom and we got talking.  She mentioned how her dog had already been to the Vet to have his teeth cleaned and they pulled 2 of his teeth.

Now to me, this didn’t sit right.  A 2 year old dog is still in his puppy/adolescent stage and should no way need a teeth clean nor have teeth pulled.

So when I questioned this with her, she said she just went along with what the Vet said.

 

Another Example – a customer pulled up with her dog whom I’ve groomed a few times before and he had a muzzle on.   I asked why the dog had a muzzle on and she said, the Vet said it would help with him pulling on the lead when we go on a walk!!

Again this didn’t sit well with me.  So I asked how this is meant to work exactly, in assisting in him not pulling on the lead when walking?

She said she didn’t know, the Vet just said to put it on him and it’ll work!!!

I asked her to remove it and mentioned that the dog wasn’t a Horse, and that to get the dog to walk without pulling on the lead takes training.

She agreed with me but didn’t want to go against the Vet!

 

7. If Something You’re Told Doesn’t Sit Right – Ask for More Information or get a 2nd opinion

I can’t stress this enough, you’re the voice for your dog.

You’re the one who knows your dog the best, so if it doesn’t sit right, ask more questions or get that 2nd opinion.

You’re allowed to, it’s your dog and your money.

I remember a few years ago we went to the Sydney Dog Lover’s Show and Dr Harry was there and he said this as well.

You know your dog and their behaviour if it doesn’t sit right, don’t do it!

 

8. Try Not to Be Intimidated By The Vet

If any Vet tried to intimidate me I’d leave.

This is not a good bedside manner.  You’re at the Vet because your dog needs care!

So the Vet needs to show some empathy towards that while also giving you the medical information you need to make the best decisions for your dog.

 

9. Trust your Gut

Do your research and then trust your gut.

Even if you visit a Vet and they don’t end up being right for you and your dog, that’s okay, you’ll find another one.

Trust that you’ll find the right one for you and your dog.

 

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

Having a dog means you’re going to need a trusted Veterinarian.

Do the research first and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Choosing that Vet might be a process but it’ll be worth it when finding the right one for you and your dog.

 

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – WHICH VET YOU USE FOR YOUR DOG AND WHY YOU CHOSE THEM?