How to be Your Vet's Best Friend

Posted by Clare Bristow

vet-with-dog-and-owner Yesterday I talked about how to choose a vet for your dog and the importance of finding one with whom you can build a good relationship.

As we all know, a good relationship is a two way process and yesterday's post set out what to look for in a veterinary practice. What about our side of the relationship, how can we be a good client for our chosen vet? Here are a few suggestions:

Remember to keep appointments and be punctual. For the safety of your dog and other people and animals at the clinic, make sure your dog is on a leash or in a carrier when you take him to the vet;
Consistently schedule appointments for vaccinations, annual medicals and dental checkups;
If your vet gives your dog medication or a care regime to follow, make sure you follow through on the instructions;
Learn what your dog's 'normal' condition is by undertaking [tag]routine examinations[/tag] at home. By doing this you'll be able to spot signs of illness in it's early stages.
Leaving easily treatable illnesses until they become difficult to successfully treat or are life threatening is distressing for you, your dog and your vet;
If your does develop symptoms of an illness, or needs emergency treatment, provide as much information to your vet as is possible - examples are any changes to diet and exercise prior to the symptoms showing, if your dog is vomiting, what you think he may have ingested and a sample of the product if possible. This type of information will help your vet make a quick and accurate diagnosis;
It's unfair to expect your vet to make a diagnosis or suggest a treatment plan over the telephone and don't disturb him outside the clinic's opening hours on matters that can wait until the next day;
If you want to discuss a medical issue outside surgery hours, then emergency clinics provide an excellent service. If you do use one, be sure to inform your vet next time you visit him. The emergency clinic should forward details of your appointment to your vet, but it also helps if you explain in your own words what the emergency was and how it was treated; and
If you don't understand what your vet is saying to you whether it's discussing a treatment plan or explaining your dog's medical condition, then say so, otherwise your vet will assume you do understand.

You want the relationship you have with your vet to last many years because he will become an important ally in keeping your dog fit and healthy. The more you can help your vet, the more you are helping you dog and your purse - early diagnosis is always cheaper to treat!

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