After choosing to adopt a dog, the first thing you will want to do is take a trip to a nearby veterinarian. Your dog will need vaccines, and this will be your opportunity to establish a relationship with a veterinarian who will take great care of your dog. But there are several things you will want to consider when choosing a veterinarian.
Hours of Operation
Learn about the overnight care practice and whether the hours of operation will work for you. There are some veterinarians who operate their clinics 24 hours a day. Also, learn about their emergency response policy. You will want to know what will happen if your dog has a medical emergency and whether you may need a backup clinic.
Your Dog's Specific Needs
If your dog has special needs, the veterinarian will need to have the experience and training necessary to care for your dog. A veterinarian who has more experience with certain medical conditions will be more likely to identify a potential problem and administer the right treatment.
Veterinary practitioners often specialize in a specific field such as neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, and radiology. Veterinarians should also know specialists they can refer you to when your dog has a medical condition too complex for them to treat.
Prior to settling on a single animal clinic, you will also want to bring your dog to meet the staff. Observe how they interact with your pet and whether you feel comfortable with the interaction. Your pet will feel less stressed during the vaccination appointment, and you will feel less nervous when you must bring your dog to the vet.
Dental Care
Some dog owners ignore dental care and think that dogs do not need regular dental checkups. However, your dog will be healthier and happier with clean teeth that are not damaged or decaying.
Ask the veterinarian about the dental services they provide. Dental technology has progressed significantly, and your veterinarian may have an easier time diagnosing and treating your dog's teeth. The sooner your dog receives a dental checkup, the better your dog's dental history will be.
Diagnostic Tests
Some veterinarians will order a range of tests to perform on your dog while others will be more selective to make sure that the tests performed will provide the most useful information. The more informed you are about the health of your dog, the healthier it will be.
