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Do Vets matter?
Hi. We have a couple of options for vets. Does a wholistic vet make a big difference in the care of my dog? Trying to understand how to choose the right vet for our new puppy. Are there any key things I should look out for when choosing?
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2 Replies
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Hi @andibaby , congrats on your new pup! Choosing a vet, and the type of veterinary care you desire for your pup, is such a personal decision. Do you have strong feelings about vaccination protocols, or the way you’d like to feed your pup? Are you a person who is reluctant to jump to prescription meds when there might be a natural supplement that could help instead? If so, a wholistic vet might be up your alley.
For me, it’s really important to find a vet who is very gentle and kind with the dogs, who doesn’t rush appointments and strives to minimize fear, and who is willing to answer my sometimes many questions. I also want to choose one who is willing to have respectful conversations about various topics, especially when my preferences may not align with their training (say, frequency of vaccinations).
Even if you interview a vet or two or three before choosing one, you won’t really know what they’re like until you’ve taken your dog to them. I also recommend you read all reviews posted on Google, FB, etc.
Another thing to consider — is there anything wrong with having more than one vet for your pup’s care?!
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Hi @andibaby – this is a really great question and YES, I think choosing a veterinarian you are happy with is key. I’ve moved your post to this channel so that it is easy to find and comment on.
With a new puppy, you get an opportunity to build a great relationship with your new veterinarian. You may want to do your initial research online to get a feel for the focus of the clinic and then schedule a “new puppy” visit with more than one as a meet & greet. (If your puppy needs a vaccination series, you could do them at different vets; just be sure to bring your records!)
When I’m looking for a new veterinarian, I want to hear from them that they value a wholistic approach, too – and that they are open to a variety of therapies, should my pet need them. I also want a veterinarian who will allow me to handle my own puppy, and not “take them in the back”. (I didn’t let the pediatrician take my kid in the back, why would I allow my vet to take my puppy?) I want to know how my puppy is experiencing everything and to be there to support and reward them.
I’m sure other members have more ideas, so I’ll stop here for now. 🙂
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