| Dogs > Veterinary Information > Choosing The Best Canine Vet You Can Afford | |
|
|
also see Dog Vet
also see Support Local Veterinary Hospitals
A good canine vet is your pet's best hope of a long and healthy life. Here are some tips on how you can find the best canine vet without breaking your budget.
You should start looking for a canine vet before you even get your dog. Remember, your new dog or puppy will need medical attention right away, even if it's only for check ups and vaccinations.
Ask around among your dog owning friends, particularly those who take the same approach to pet care that you do. If you don't have a friend who owns dogs, ask a pet groomer, animal shelter employee, dog trainer, neighbor or a pet sitter. They can give you recommendations and advice about the skills of area vets; they can also let you know whether or not a particular vet's services are reasonably priced.
The ads in the yellow pages can give a lot of information about a canine vet's skills and accreditation. A veterinary hospital that's a member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) will be guaranteed to meet AAHA standards in the areas of facility, equipment and care. Some canine vets have earned additional certification in other areas of veterinary care, such as opthamology and cardiology; this means they have studied for two to four additional years after earning their degree in veterinary medicine.
Once you've found some promising veterinary practices, don't be afraid to have a look around yourself. The staff of any reputable veterinary hospital should be happy to show you the facilities and answer any questions you might have. Here are some check points to keep in mind when inspecting a veterinary practice or hospital:
And of course, don't be afraid to enquire politely as to price range of services.
As the owner, you bear the primary responsibility for your pet's health. Your canine vet can treat any problems that arise, but you'll save yourself money and your dog pain and suffering if you see your vet regularly for check ups and seek treatment at the first signs of illness.
also see Dog Tartar Removal and Prevention Tips
also see Dog Rabies: A Serious and Contagious Disease
also see Dog Cataracts: Understanding the Different Types, Causes and Treatment