How To Choose A Vet: Part 1

Guest post by Steven May

We
all deal with the service industry. From dry cleaners to mechanics and
everything in between there
are times when we need to rely on the expertise of
others to get things done right. And once we find that great dentist or plumber
we tend to use them over and over. The hard part is finding them.

Pet
owners know the importance in finding the right veterinarian. After all, we
trust them to take care of our beloved friends and want to be assured they’re providing
the best care possible.  So how do we go
about finding the right match for us?  Is
it just a matter of going to the veterinarian or animal hospital closest to
your home or do we need to take a more active role?

Good
pet owners will try to educate themselves as much as possible and with the
massive amount of information now available online it’s become easier than ever
before. From choosing a breed or even an animal that best suits our lifestyle
to learning about any potential medical conditions they may encounter, we are
now able to take out some of the guess work that comes with being a pet
owner.  But there are some things that
can’t be accessed online such as the latest technological advancements in the
veterinary industry and the kind of hands-on experience that a good veterinary
doctor will possess.

I
believe that veterinarians and owners must work together as a team. Each has a
shared goal of a healthy, happy pet and a big part of reaching that goal is
establishing a good rapport. We want to feel comfortable in communicating with
our pet’s doctor and in return want to make sure they’re listening and
responding to our needs and concerns.

Our
pets can’t tell us when they’re thirsty so it is our responsibility to make
sure they always have clean, fresh water. 
It is also our responsibility to be the liaison for our pet when
choosing and working with a veterinarian. 
By doing the proper research, asking the right questions and building a
positive rapport, we are giving our pets the best opportunity for optimum care
and alleviating the concerns we have when entrusting their well-being to
another.

Here are five Do's for choosing a veterinarian: 

1. Do Your Research Veterinarians are business owners and like any good business professional
   they need to attract clients. While some may have flashy websites or strong
   advertising campaigns that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the right choice
   for you. One of the best things you can do when searching for the right veterinarian
   is to ask other pet owners who they use. Word of mouth is the best advertising
   there is and a glowing report from a trusted friend, family member or neighbor
   can start you off on the right foot. From there, you will want to do your own
   research on the doctor or facility. The American Animal Hospital Association will help you find fully accredited hospitals in your area. And as most
   legitimate pet care providers have websites you’ll be able to learn more about
   the staff, their specialties and other useful background information. Websites
   such as Yelp can be helpful as the reviews are coming directly
   from pet owners with personal experience with a doctor or hospital. 
2. Look Before You Leap: You wouldn’t buy a new car without first taking it for a test drive and
   you shouldn’t choose a veterinarian without first visiting the facility. Set an
   appointment to visit the facility with your dog. Pay attention to the
   cleanliness and organization of the facility, inquire in to how many doctors
   and assistants are on staff, if they have any specialties and how long they
   have been in operation.
3. Curiosity Didn’t Really Kill the Cat: When meeting with a potential veterinarian for the first time the most
   important thing you can do is ask questions. Of course, you’ll want to make
   sure not to put someone on the defensive. This isn’t a trial. But if you start
   the conversation with the thought that this person could become a potential
   team member, and you’ve done your research in to some of the specific medical
   conditions that may impact your pet, you’ll not only be able to listen for the
   answers that you’re looking for but will develop an overall sense of his or his
   character. Are they curt, dismissive and don’t seem to want to take the time
   with you or are they open, warm and patient in answering your questions?
   Remember, a good veterinarian will appreciate speaking to a pet owner who shows
   a real concern and interest in their pet’s well-being. 
4. Be a Good Team Member: Once you’ve decided on a doctor you’ve added a key member to your team.
   And how you work together can greatly benefit your pet. It’s important to
   remember that while your veterinarian has may have access to the latest medical
   technology it is your ability to convey anything that may be out of the
   ordinary or the overall wellness of your pet. Just saying, “There’s something
   not right” doesn’t give a doctor much to go on. At home, pay attention to the
   following and let your veterinarian know when the symptoms first began.

• Change
  in physical activity
• Change
  in appetite or weight
• Change
  in attitude or responsiveness
• Change
  in sleep patterns
• Change
  in frequency of urination
• Change
  in water consumption
• Coughing
• Heavy
  or rapid breathing
• Incontinence
• Lethargy
  or depression
• Lumps
  and bumps on or under the skin
• Noticeable
  decrease in vision (i.e. bumping into furniture)
• Shaking
  head
• Bad
  breath

5.  Catching Flies With Honey: Everyone appreciates being acknowledged. Whether it’s a pat on the back
for a job well done or taking the time to ask how someone’s day is going, the
result is typically positive. And as much as we would like to think our pet is
the most important in the world, a good veterinarian is dealing with a lot of
“most important pets in the world.” Being cognizant of your doctor’s hectic
day, asking the right questions and imparting a level of trust in their
expertise will go a long way in establishing the kind of rapport that will
benefit both you and your pet. Remember, people who enter the veterinary
industry do so because they love animals and want to do everything they can to
insure our pets health.  But they’re
human beings and not robots. Treating our doctor and their staff with the kind
of professional respect they deserve, and trusting that they are on your side,
will result in a stronger relationship.  

Check back on Friday, October 26 for tPart 2: Don'ts of Choosing Your Veterinarian 

About Steven May, CVJ: Steven has provided his expert pet advice to both the veterinary industry and the general public for more than 35 years. The former editor of VETZ Magazine and co-author of the popular “What About Wally: Co-Parenting A Pet With Your Ex,” the first book on the subject of pet custody, May also heads The Daily Growl, which provides fun and educational pet information to more than 150,000 followers. http://www.facebook.com/ePetExpert