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Finding A Vet For Your New Puppy.

By Jim McKiel

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Published: 27Feb2007
Word count: 696
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This article will assist you with finding a vet for the newest member of your family.

One of the most important requirements in selecting a vet for your new puppy is communication. You need a vet that will speak to you, not down to you as if you were not intelligent. Your puppy's health depends on you and you need to feel comfortable with this vet. Does the vet take time to answer all your questions or are they in a hurry to go on to the next patient? Does the vet speak in medical jargon or do they explain procedures, conditions and treatment options in layman's terms? It is very important that you understand your puppy's health conditions and treatment options so you can decide what is best for your animal.

If you are a new pet owner or have just moved to a new community it may take a few days or weeks to find a vet. Asking for recommendations from friends that have dogs, breeders or local breed groups may assist you in your search for a vet. Please keep in mind that a vet that does marvelous with your neighbors toy poodle may not be a perfect fit for your little Rottweiler puppy that grows up to weigh 120 pounds. Make sure the vet is comfortable with your puppy as well as your puppy being comfortable with the vet.

Finding a well established vet who offers on site lab work ups and x-rays are a plus. If lab work has to be sent to an outside facility, it usually means the cost is more and there may be a delay of receiving the results. This may not be the case, so it would be wise to discuss this with the vet or office personnel before making any decision. Cost of vet care may vary with area and the office set up of the vet. Before you decide on the vet who will take care of your puppy please consider all of the following:

• Will I be able to make a same day appointment to see the vet?

• Does vet offer 24 hour emergency services or are they affiliated with animal hospital in the immediate area?

• Is vet's office clean?

• Is the staff friendly to you and your animal?

• Are the technicians licensed?

• Does vet have a fee schedule that you may have?

• Is pet insurance accepted?

• Does vet accept credit cards and does vet have payment plan?

• Does the vet answer all your questions and not rush you out the door?

• Does the vet make referrals to specialists? If so, is the specialists close by?

Finding a vet for your puppy is the same as finding a doctor for yourself. You want someone who is qualified and caring. No matter how qualified a doctor is in his/her field, you would not go to them if they were rude and uncommunicative. Once you decide on a vet, take your puppy in for a check up. The vet will let you know what shots your puppy needs and if they need to place your puppy on preventive heart worm medication or flea preventive medication. Make sure you get all the shots for your puppy and follow the schedule the vet gives you. There are certain shots that will be given to your dog through out his life.

After two or three visits to the vet you should know if your puppy is happy to see the vet and if you feel comfortable. If there are any concerns, you should bring this to the attention of the vet or office staff. If you feel uncomfortable you always have the option of finding another vet. Remember it is you and the vet working together that will keep your puppy healthy and happy.

The cost of veterinary care is on the rise just like medical care for humans. Also with all the new advances in vet care our furry friends are able to live longer healthier lives. It would be advisable to have pet insurance on your new family member and belong to an organization like PetCare RX for all your prescription and non prescription items.

Jim McKiel lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Doris and their pet family members Buddy and Buster. They have devoted their lives to the betterment of pet ownership. For more information, visit Large Breed Family Dogs

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