As a pet owner, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. One of the best ways to do this is by developing a strong relationship with a vet in Mount Richon that you trust.
Your veterinarian is an important source of information and guidance when it comes to the health of your pet. They can help you make informed decisions about vaccinations, diet, exercise, and more.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a vet. To help you make the decision that’s best for you and your pet, we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 questions you should ask your veterinarian.
-
What services does your clinic offer?
The first thing you should ask your vet is what services they provide. You want to make sure that they offer the services you need for your pet, such as basic wellness exams or specialty care, such as orthopedic surgery or emergency services.
Also, ensure that they can provide care for any pets in your household, including cats and dogs. If you have multiple pets, ask about their boarding policies and if there is a separate waiting area for dogs and cats so that they don’t have to interact with each other while waiting.
-
What are your hours of operation?
Next, you should ask your veterinarian about their hours of operation. Do they offer 24-hour emergency service or weekend hours? Are they open during the holiday season? What can you expect from their schedule?
-
Do you have an emergency plan?
If your pet needs to be seen immediately, it’s important to know what to expect.
- Do they have a plan in place for after-hours emergencies?
- Is there someone who can come in and help if needed?
- Are there any restrictions on what types of pets they see or what services they provide?
These are all things that should be addressed when you’re choosing a veterinarian.
-
How long have you been practising?
The longer a veterinarian has been in practice, the more experience they have dealing with the various problems that can arise with different breeds and ages of animals.
They also tend to have more connections within the local community, which makes them more likely to be able to refer you to other specialists should something unexpected happen with your pet.
-
What training do you have?
There are many specialties within veterinary medicine — internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, neurology — and each requires different training and experience to excel at it. Ask what types of training and certifications your veterinarian has received so you know if they are qualified for specific procedures or conditions that affect your pet’s health.
-
Do you offer both conventional and alternative treatment options?
A good veterinarian should be able to offer both traditional and alternative methods of treatment. Conventional medicine is based on scientific evidence, while alternative medicine addresses a broader range of treatments that may or may not be supported by science.
A good vet will be able to explain both types of treatments and determine which one is best for your pet’s condition.
-
Do you recommend routine blood work for my pet’s breed and age?
A good veterinarian will do a complete physical examination of your pet, including a physical exam and diagnostic tests such as blood work and x-rays. They can also provide recommendations based on the results of these tests, which may include specialized diets or medications.
-
Do you accept electronic payments, insurance, and/or credit cards?
While this may seem like a no-brainer, it’s still worth asking. Some veterinary offices do not accept electronic payments, so it’s important to ensure that the office you choose does. In order for you to set up an appointment or refill a prescription, having the ability to use credit cards or online banking can be helpful.
-
What is your vaccination protocol?
Vaccinations are essential for protecting your pet from serious illnesses like rabies, distemper and parvo. However, if you are not careful about which vaccines you give your pet, they could suffer serious side effects or even die.
Your vet in Mount Richon should be able to provide information about what vaccines are appropriate for your pet’s age and lifestyle so that they won’t suffer negative reactions from unnecessary immunizations.
