How to Choose a Veterinarian?

Last February, we lost our beloved Fiona, a 13-year-old Dachshund that was more than a dog or a friend to us, she was part of the family.

Fiona was a healthy dog, but she started feeling sick, we took her to the veterinarian and that was when the horror story began. They were trying to sell us everything they had, we did x-rays and bought the antibiotics but her health didn’t improve.

Two days after I got out of work early in the morning to take her to the vet and the lady in the front desk was so cold with me, she just said that they didn’t had appointments available, and I could bring her in the afternoon to check if there was space. Let me tell you, I’m a 6’ ft. tall man, and it was obvious I was crying before I got there. I told her that I would leave my American Express and they could start checking on her, but she said no.

That afternoon around, it was February 14th, Valentine’s Day, we decided to take her to another clinic and sadly they found a Pyometra, and infection on her uterus, they said it was possible to make a surgery but it was not safe since she was so old. My wife, my son and my daughter, were there with her at the moment of saying goodbye.

My wife hold her and talk to her telling her she loved her and giving her thanks for the years of joy she gave us. It was one of the hardest times we have lived in our lives.
When I came back that day I left a negative review on Google about how the Veterinary Clinic treat me that morning.

Suddenly, they were calling the next morning, asking questions, since they know reviews on Google are read often by customers. I told them she was dead and that they should be more sensitive when there were pet emergencies. Sadly, it was an employee, I must make clear that the doctor was not there when I went and he called me personally to tell me he was sorry.

That’s why I decided to make this list of questions to help people with pets choose a vet:

1. How do I find a veterinarian? The best way to find a veterinarian is by word of mouth. The animal shelter or rescue group where you adopted your pet may have a good recommendation for you. If not, ask your friends who is their veterinarian. If you don’t have friends with pets, ask folks who are walking their dogs in your neighborhood about where they take their pet for veterinarian care.
2. How often does my pet need a checkup? For proper preventative care, your dog or cat should be examined by a veterinarian twice a year. As your pet ages, though, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent visits. Between visits, though, make sure to pet your dog or cat often and take notice of any new lumps, scabs, or other wounds. Look for changes in your pet’s breath, behavior, energy level or appetite, as these may be cause for concern. Notice if your pet is scratching himself more than usual. Call your veterinarian if you notice any of these or if you have other concerns.
3. What can I expect from a regular checkup visit with my dog or cat? First, your veterinarian will probably ask you all about your pet. They’ll want to know if your dog or cat has had any vomiting or diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, itching, or excessive thirst. They’ll also ask if your pet’s energy level and appetite are normal, and they may inquire about your pet’s diet.

   Your dog or cat will then be weighed and assessed to determine if he or she is too heavy or too thin. Then, the veterinarian or veterinary technician will check for fleas using a special flea comb. Your pet’s temperature will also be taken.

   A physical examination is performed. The veterinarian will check your pet’s ears, eyes, nose, teeth, and lymph nodes and listen to the heart and lungs. They’ll feel your pet’s abdomen by hand to check for pain or masses. They’ll also check the condition of your pet’s skin. In some cases, they will also examine your pet’s legs, hips, and joints. Your pet’s external genital area will be checked. Sometimes a rectal examination is also performed.

   Your veterinarian may order a CBC (Complete Blood Count) and other diagnostic tests, including a fecal exam to check for parasites.

4. What kinds of preventative treatments might my veterinarian recommend? Your veterinarian will certainly recommend a good-quality diet, in the proper amounts, to keep your pet thin and healthy. A preventative dental plan (like regular tooth-brushing) is a common recommendation as well.

   Your veterinarian will also stress the importance of avoiding parasites, and will suggest options for flea and tick prevention and control. Internal parasites, like roundworm, are potentially harmful, and your veterinarian may suggest periodic de-worming treatments or products that treat and control internal parasites monthly. One internal parasite in particular, heartworm, can be deadly. It is suggested that pets be on a heartworm preventative year round. Prevention is cheaper than treatment.

5. What about dental treatments? Does my pet need to go to the dentist like I do? Dental health is as important to your pet as it is for you! In fact, dental problems in dogs and cats can even lead to heart and kidney disease, so caring for your pet’s teeth is absolutely essential. First, make sure you follow the preventative care plan prescribed by your veterinarian. Often your veterinarian will recommend daily brushing along with other less-helpful home care activities like chew toys, rinses, etc.

   Most pets will need professional dental care from time to time. Usually this will be performed by a licensed veterinarian with your pet under anesthesia, and will clean the teeth below the gumline and the inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth, fully examine and probe the gumline, and possibly obtain dental x-rays of the tooth roots. Rotten, loose, and painful teeth may need to be extracted.