| One of the most crucial and important of decisions a | | | | with them like orthopedic doctors and eye specialists. |
| pet-parent makes it that of choosing a vet. It is the | | | | As a concerned pet parent you must make a list of |
| vet who will understand your pet when he gets ill and | | | | questions you need answers to. And spend a little |
| care enough to practice what is now popular as | | | | time on finding out whether you would be more |
| preventive health care. | | | | comfortable with an allopathic vet represented by |
| Never choose a vet because he has a nice smile or a | | | | the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA |
| beautiful office or is cheap. Choose a vet who thinks | | | | or a holistic vet represented by the American Holistic |
| about your pet the same as you do and always | | | | Veterinary Medical Association, AHVMA. |
| keeps the best interest of the pet ahead of all other | | | | While allopathic vets practice conventional medicine, a |
| considerations. The vet must love the breed that | | | | holistic vet will use medicinal herbs, nutritional changes |
| your pet is and: | | | | or supplements, vitamins, and enzymes, chiropractic |
| • Be kind and gentle when handling the dog. | | | | manipulations, homeopathy, Bach flower remedies, as |
| He must not leave diagnosis or check ups to | | | | well as massages for treatment. And, if need be |
| assistants. | | | | they will prescribe allopathic medicines. They try and |
| • He must always stay ahead of | | | | treat the cause not just the symptoms of any |
| developments in medicine and update his skills and | | | | ailment. |
| knowledge constantly. | | | | It is essential for you to choose a vet who will work |
| • The vet must be able to stand by you | | | | along your side in caring for the pet. He must be |
| through thick and thin and proffer timely advice. | | | | patient, love the animal, and make time to explain |
| • The clinic must be spik and spank and | | | | things to you as well as take your opinion of things. |
| have space for overnight stay with clean kennels, | | | | After all, no one can know your pet better than you. |
| space to run, and staff who love animals. | | | | A vet must care for the pet for at least 10-15 years. |
| • It is ideal if the clinic is located close to | | | | He must be organized and maintain health records in |
| your home and if it offers health care plans for your | | | | great detail from the day the pet is born to the day |
| pet. | | | | it dies. |
| • Ask the clinic if they have emergency | | | | A pet will lead a complete existence only if you, the |
| contact numbers so that you can call if an | | | | vet, and trainer work in harmony and side by side. |
| unforeseen problem occurs in the middle of the night | | | | So, choosing a suitable vet is an important decision |
| or on a public holiday. | | | | that must be done after weighing all the pros and |
| • Check if the clinic has specialists consulting | | | | cons. |