Having a hard time saying NO to a vet

[Wylie's Mom]

Like others have already said, if this vet doesn't have an ear for his clients - then find one who does. In vet care, as well as human healthcare - a clinician with major control issues can be a very dangerous thing for the patient .

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Like others have already said, if this vet doesn't have an ear for his clients - then find one who does. In vet care, as well as human healthcare - a clinician with major control issues can be a very dangerous thing for the patient .

I couldn't agree more. If you and your vet can't agree on something as simple as when to give the rabies shot, can you imagine having to deal with her during a serious illness?

[gemy]

you know an article on how to pick a good vet would not be amiss, or else something along the lines of what can you expect from a good vet?

It can be difficult to assert your wishes for your dog at the vet without alienation of what you hope to be your dog's primary doc. But you are the final arbitrator on what you will submit your dog to or not.

For me the ideal vet would know to alert me to up and coming health concerns within our geographical area, and evidence an interest and a knowledge of the special health needs my breed(s) have. If you own a rare breed (which Yorkies are not, in fact the opposite) I would expect over the course of our relationship the vet to study up on this breed, in order to serve my dogs better. i would expect the rooms to be very clean, with a friendly and helpfull reception staff. I would want to be a proactive part of the program of care of my pet, with the underlying understanding, that my word is the final one for the care of my dogs.

[ChocoMilk]

Originally Posted by gemy

you know an article on how to pick a good vet would not be amiss, or else something along the lines of what can you expect from a good vet?

It can be difficult to assert your wishes for your dog at the vet without alienation of what you hope to be your dog's primary doc. But you are the final arbitrator on what you will submit your dog to or not.

For me the ideal vet would know to alert me to up and coming health concerns within our geographical area, and evidence an interest and a knowledge of the special health needs my breed(s) have. If you own a rare breed (which Yorkies are not, in fact the opposite) I would expect over the course of our relationship the vet to study up on this breed, in order to serve my dogs better. i would expect the rooms to be very clean, with a friendly and helpfull reception staff. I would want to be a proactive part of the program of care of my pet, with the underlying understanding, that my word is the final one for the care of my dogs.

SO hard to find a vet like this. I think most vets don't want to admit that they are wrong or that they just don't know the information for the fear of looking dumb or being sued.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Anyone know of a good vet in NY or Orange County, CA, please let me know!

[NGessner]

What were your experiences with your vets and how did you say no? Btw- she's a friends friend and it's really a difficult situation for me to say "sorry I think you are wrong and I think I know a little better than you".

It is not a matter of their being right or wrong or your knowing more than the vet. It is a matter of your dogs size and age plays a big part in it. Not all smaller dogs tolerate the shot at a young age. . When they insist I ask them if they are willing to take full responsibility if my dog has a reaction to the shot? I never, never let them give 2 shots in one visit. If they want to guarantee that it will not affect my dog in an adverse way then go ahead. But if it does and something happens to my dog it will be on their shoulder. I just lost a puppy from a reaction to a shot. He wasn't too young just too small. Against my better judgement I charged ahead. I learned too late that there are some things you can do if this happens. My own stupidity!!!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by gemy

you know an article on how to pick a good vet would not be amiss, or else something along the lines of what can you expect from a good vet?

Here ya go . I think EllieMay wrote most of this thread, and found all of the links too: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...erinarian.html

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Here ya go . I think EllieMay wrote most of this thread, and found all of the links too: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...erinarian.html

The YT library rocks!

[ChocoMilk]

wait, a question. What do I tell her if she says it's against the NY law to not get it before 4 months? Do I ask her for an exemption?

Thanks for the link and replies btw!

[Deuce]

Verify that it is indeed against the law, and if it's true than get the shot but not at the same time as any of the others. Personally I'd do my best to avoid it until after the other shots are already done.

[ChocoMilk]

omygosh. this is the link i found:

http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseas...fact_sheet.pdf

When should my pet receive its first rabies vaccination?
The law requires that your pet's first rabies vaccination be given no later than four months (three months in New York City) after its date of birth. Many rabies vaccines are licensed for use at three months, although some may be given at younger ages.

When should my pet receive its second rabies vaccination?
Your pet should receive its second rabies vaccination within one year after the first vaccination. The second rabies shot and all
shots thereafter are sometimes called booster shots.

Three months in NYC?!! I live in NYC and i do NOT want to give my dogs shots till 6 months. I guess my vet was right after all. Any recommendations?

[ChocoMilk]

Exemptions
The vaccination requirements shall not apply to any dog, cat, domesticated ferret if the animal is transported through New York state and remains in the state 15 days or less; the animal is confined to the premises of an incorporated society devoted to the care of lost, stray or homeless animals; a licensed veterinarian has determined that the vaccination will adversely affect the animal's health; the animal is confined to the premises of a college or other educational or research institution for research purposes; or if the animal is unowned (feral, wild, not socialized).

sorry for the double post. Is my only way out to convince my vet that my dogs are just too small? Or if I just refuse to get it before 6 months, would the vet be in trouble if anyone found out? confused.

[Ellie May]

This is a time when the exemption is not usually used. That is for health problems.

You just have to find a vet who is okay waiting a couple extra months. Still no way to be sure that you won't get in trouble. The laws about quarantine and all still apply to your 4+ month old pup. That's why wour vet wants to give it now. If an owner declines a rabies vaccine in MI, the vet does not have to report it. Don't know about NY. And even if they don't have to, if they aren't happy, they probably still could. So unless you have a vet that agrees with you, if you wait, you are taking a risk. And if you wait, you are breaking the law. No easy answer here.

I will say that MI has the same law, but if I had a 4 month old Yorkie, I would probably wait. But my vet wouldn't really care...

[Britster]

I know in MD it's 4 months legally to get rabies shot (I think). Jackson didn't get his rabies shot until 6 1/2 months.... oops. It was really more of me just being nervous since he had a reaction to lepto and I was just paranoid about more shots, and then he got neutered and we had to wait two weeks 'til after he was neutered, so it was something I just put off. I'm not advising doing this in any way but at the time, he was never really exposed anywhere except outside at my moms house, and my dads house with their dogs... so it wasn't a problem for us.

[ChocoMilk]

well seeing that my vet is a little too confident or cocky in her ways she probably would want to report me if I tell her I'd like to wait. This is so annoying. I won't be taking them outside until 5 or 6 months anyway in the open, but we DO go to puppy classes so I don't know if I even have a case to state. I think it's also 4 months in California as well, so I can't really tell her I'll be moving. Thanks for letting me know, Ellie Mae.

Britster I read about jackson's lepto shot reactions and I was so shocked. Poor little guy! GLad he is well. Btw I love your avatar- he's so cute!

[megansmomma]

My three all get their vaccines separated by a 3 week period. If your vet is unwilling to do this then I would find a new vet. I love my vet and would not be using him if we didn't have a good relationship.