Dog Owner's Manual › Chapter 8: Dog Health Care › Selecting a Veterinarian for Your Dog ›

Tips: Selecting a Veterinarian for Your Dog

  • When considering candidates, consult friends who own dogs. Breed clubs can also provide lists of recommended doctors, including, in some cases, veterinarians with special knowledge of particular models.
  • Schedule an appointment with the veterinarians you are considering. Discuss your dog and its specific needs. Do you feel comfortable with the vet? What professional organizations does he or she belong to?
  • Examine the facility itself. Does it look and smell clean? What range of services does it provide? How are emergency after-hours calls handled?
  • Make sure your choice is a good fit logistically. Does the clinic keep business hours that are convenient for you? Is the office conveniently located? Patronizing a vet with odd hours and an out-of-the-way location is difficult at best, life-threatening at worst.

expert tipEXPERT TIP: You might want to select a veterinarian before acquiring a dog. If you are unsure about which model to choose, a veterinarian can provide expert advice.

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Chapter 8: Dog Health Care

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Please add that if you like the vet for aren't comfortable with the staff, walk out and don't come back. The staff are the ones that tend to most of your dogs needs and administer their meds. I have been through this and STAFF is as important as a good vet. A great vet would not allow their staff to be imbecile's.

barked by Sally Reynolds on Mar 21, 2008 AT 11:59 am PDT
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Always listen to your options about surgeries....but always follow your heart....If it doesnt seem like the right solution...get a second opinion....surgery is always a option.

barked by Ann Daniel on Jun 6, 2009 AT 1:29 pm PDT
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Quirk BooksThe Dog Owner's Manual is a basic guide to dog care.
The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides dog owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!