If you are buying, adopting or rescuing a dog, it is vitally important that you plan ahead and find a veterinarian that you like, feel confident in, and one that is well qualified to treat your dog in an emergency and for routine visits.
If you plan to use a combination of traditional and all-natural care for your dog, it is important that the veterinarian that you choose is “on-board” with your choices so that you are able to keep your vet informed on all medications and supplements that you give to your dog.
It may take a bit of research to find a veterinarian that agrees with your chosen method of caring for your dog. A survey that was completed in 2012 states that over 70% of veterinarians don’t offer alternative therapies — therefore they would have little knowledge of their benefits. Here are some steps to help you find the best veterinarian for your pet
1. Does Your Dog Like The Veterinarian?
If you already have a vet, you should take your new dog to meet him or her. They may already know you, now they need to get to know the new addition to your family.
If this is your first dog, you should find a veterinarian then make an appointment so that you can meet them as well as have the vet meet your new dog. This preliminary visit is where you will discuss your plans for your dog and get an understanding for how the vet feels about your beliefs. This is also where you will find out how your vet interacts with your dog and you. If you aren’t comfortable with this vet, you don’t have to stay with that one – there are many other veterinarians that you could visit until you find the one that you like and feel totally comfortable with.
2. What Type Of Vet Care Do You Want?
Veterinarians who are certified in any type of treatment including alternative treatment methods must continue to study to keep their certification. Their current certification must be prominently displayed on the wall of their clinic for all to see.
Beware of any veterinarian who offers natural treatments but does not have the certification to prove that they have studied in that specialized field. The vet may be knowledgeable and skilled enough to do the job but won’t necessarily be completely up-to-date or have the most current information.
It is vitally important that you advise your regular veterinarian of any and all natural therapies you may be giving to your dog. Even natural treatments or supplements could react negatively with traditional treatments. Your vet should be aware of anything that you give to your dog before he or she prescribes medication. Mixing medications could be very dangerous; this is something that your vet would be able to take into account and prescribe something appropriate – something that is compatible with the other treatment.
To find a veterinarian does not need to be stressful and time-consuming. The majority of veterinarians are open to all types of treatments these days even if they aren’t experts themselves.
