What Vet do I Choose? - All For Pets

A question often asked and one that used to have me cringe when I would hear it is,
“Which Vet do you recommend?”

It shouldn’t be controversial, yet in a small community for some reason people go out of their way to treat each clinic like their favourite Hockey team. Deadly devoted to the point of ripping the other hockey team to the ground if anyone dares to recommend ANY clinic but theirs. This behaviour baffled me and had me retreating each time I heard the question.

It wasn’t until my own personal Zoo started to grow that I quickly realized, we have the most talented and forward thinking Vets and clinics right here on our little Sunshine Coast. Excuse me while I brag them all up a little here but the reality is that they are very devoted to proper care. The Staff at every clinic will bond and love each one of the babies that come through the doors like they are their own.

I know this because I personally have witnessed their tears when the odds have not turned in their favour. I have watched them stay up all night with Your baby. I’ve watched them rejoice when against all odds your sweet baby is recovering and able to go home. Then on their free time, I have stood beside each of them at local fundraisers for our rescues.

From Gibson’s, to Sechelt and all the way up to Pender Harbour we have these clinics full of Superhero’s! Did I mention that we have All For Pets Alumni working in some of these Clinics? I get why people are so devoted to their Clinics, but believe me when I say they all run neck and neck for superior service.

So how do you choose? Ask Questions that are important to you and your philosophies for raising dogs. How does the veterinarian respond to your questions and concerns about canine care? Do they mesh with yours? Does this seem like someone with whom you’ll be able to communicate? Be sure to sense the energy of your dog around the veterinarian to see if he is comfortable around them. It’s ok to go to a couple different vet clinics and ask questions.

All clinics on the Sunshine Coast are exceptional in my opinion, now you just need to narrow down which veterinarian best suits your personality. I have one clinic for my Cats, one for my older Dog and yet another for our younger dog. Why? Because I like to have a relationship built with each of the closest clinics to me so that if ever there is an emergency I know that whichever clinic is covering emergencies has someone I know on shift. Your Vet is going to be one of the most important relationships you build for your Puppy`s future.

Nurture your relationship with your Vet and the Clinic Staff. Now I don`t mean buy them flowers and drop off cookies (although they won`t say no) but it is always great if your out for a walk to just swing in and say Hi. It`s great for puppy to not always get poked and prodded every time they go to the clinic. Plus the Clinic loves to see your puppies changes just as much as we do! Here are a few great tips on how to be at your best in this relationship from The Humane Society:

See your vet regularly for preventive visits, not just when your pet becomes ill.
Learn what’s normal for your pet, so you recognize the first signs of illness. If a pet’s not well, don’t wait until she’s really sick before you call your vet. It’s frustrating for a vet, and heartbreaking to owners, to see an animal die of an illness that could have been treated successfully if professional care had begun sooner.
Schedule appointments and be on time. Lateness is rude and wreaks havoc with the office’s timing.
For your pet’s safety as well as that of other clients and pets, bring your cat to the veterinary office in a carrier.
Don’t disturb your veterinarian during non-working hours for matters that can wait, and don’t expect your veterinarian to diagnose a pet’s problem over the telephone.
Even if you have an emergency, call ahead to ensure that the veterinarian’s available. She will have to work your pet into the regular schedule, so be prepared to wait. If your pet can’t be seen that day, you will be referred to an emergency vet hospital.

A puppy exam is one of the best parts of a veterinarian’s job. Your vet is also wanting to set up a relationship where your puppy accommodates being handled without fear or aggression. You are an important part of this learning process. Do not encourage shyness or aggression in your puppy by soothing her. Be positive and matter-of-fact in all your pup’s social interactions in order to raise a confident, secure dog. While answering your questions, your veterinarian will likely do the following: (www.dummies.com)

Weigh your puppy and check her temperature — 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit is normal — as well as her pulse and breathing rate.
Listen for heart and lung abnormalities and examine other internal organs by palpitating, or feeling them.
Give your puppy’s ears a going-over to ensure they not only look right but also smell right — no infections or parasites.
Check the puppy’s genitals to ensure two testicles are present in males and there’s no sign of discharge or infection in females.
Go over eyes, nose, skin, & the anal region carefully to check for discharge or other signs of disease or parasites.
Open the puppy’s mouth to see that teeth and gums look as they should.

So today at All For Pets when people come in and ask us “Which Vet do you recommend?” I no longer cringe. I tell them we are blessed to have great Clinics here on the coast, they just need to choose their own personal fit.