3 Things To Consider When Choosing A New Veterinarian For Your Dog
Before choosing a veterinarian to care for your dog's health as he ages, it's a good idea to schedule consultations with multiple care givers first. This will give you an opportunity to compare each vet side-by-side to determine which is likely to give you the most bang for your buck. Here are a few things to consider during the process of choosing a veterinarian:
Flea Management
If you're like most dog owners, you worry about fleas throughout the year because once an infestation sets it, the pests are tough to get rid of. All veterinarians carry various flea treatment options, but they don't all provide access to the same ones. It's important to ask each potential veterinarian for a full list of treatment products they personally carry, as well as any home remedies they recommend. You can then compare the lists side-by-side to determine which veterinarian will likely meet your pet's flea management needs the most effectively long term.
Emergency Services
While many veterinarians offer 24 hour emergency services in case your dog gets sick or injured unexpectedly, many don't provide care outside their regular business hours unless under specific circumstances – and then there are those that don't offer emergency services at all. If you choose a veterinarian that doesn't offer any emergency services after hours, you'll need to find a second caregiver to provide those services to you.
To save time and ensure that your pet is being taken care of by someone who knows their history, it's a good idea to find a veterinarian to work with that offers at least partial emergency services. Ask each potential veterinarian to provide you with their emergency service policies in writing so you know exactly what you can expect if you need unexpected help at some point in the future.
Support and Resources
There may be some instances as time goes on when you need to expand your care network and enlist the services of a physical therapist, cancer specialist, or behavioral expert for your dog due to an injury or ailment of some kind. Many veterinarians have personal relationships with other pet experts and caregivers and can provide you with direct access to discounts, special offers, and other perks when using their services. So ask each veterinarian you consult with if they partner with any service providers or product distributors that you can tap into for optimized care and possible perks.
These considerations should help you find a veterinarian who can effectively meet the needs of your dog and help ensure that they have a long, healthy lifetime. To learn more, contact a company like Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic.