Originally Posted by bren

I know of a lot of people that take their furbabies to vet hospitals where there are usually more than 1 vet on staff and it seems like their biggest complaint is the lack of personalized attention. Many times they don't even get the same vet when they bring their dogs in for routine check-ups/annual vaccinations--they get whomever is available, they spend a short amount of time examining their dogs, and they explain procedures quickly so they can get to the next dog. Some also recommend unnecessary procedures to inflate costs. I'm sure that not ALL of them are like this but some are.

I totally agree that we should use our instincts--who knows our furbabies better than we do--but sometimes I need a professional's opinion so I don't think that there is anything wrong with looking for a vet with whom you feel comfortable and confident in his/her abilities.

A few dog owners have told me and from my own personal experience I have found that the small vet clinics that have 1 vet provide more personalized attention and services and are cheaper than going to a vet hospital. My vet has his own practice, he's in his 60s and has an 'old school' way of thinking and does not recommend unnecessary procedures. If I bring Max or Abbie to see him and he needs to run additional tests (urine samples, stool samples, etc.) I can drop off the sample and he does not charge me for an office visit--just the cost of the test. His first priority is his 'patients'--not inflating charges so he can make more money, which is why I drive about an hour to take Max and Abbie to see him. There are good vets out there--unfortunately it may take a while to find them. Ask people who have dogs for their recommendations

Originally Posted by Diego

Mommy instincts can fail too .

Originally Posted by Rae Rae

I was just thinking that. Vets went to school to study dogs specifically (and other animals) They are the experts. If I ever question what my vet says I'll just get a second opinion. I would never go w/ my instincts against my own doctor w/o getting a second opinion, so I would treat my dog the same.

Originally Posted by Lacy's Mom

I have a vet that I really like, but he also listens to me and let's me be an active participant in the treatment. Being informed can only help your dog and your vet. I think it is very important to find a good vet that you can trust when you don't have the answers. If my vet quoted $50.00 a tooth, I would run (really fast) in the opposite direction. This is clearly a vet who is more concerned about money than dogs and I could not trust his opinion on anything.

Originally Posted by JRosal

I believe a vet recommeds teeth pulling because food get get caught between the two and can have a lighly likely chance to rot.

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

:goodpost: :goodpost:

What carleirulesme had to say was great, too. It took using three different vet practices before I landed with a WONDERFUL TERIFFIC GREAT practice of five vets all of whom I trust and adore!!!! The office staff are CARING, and PATIENT -- I just love them all!!! Not only do I trust my vet's advice and opinion, my vet TRUST ME as well. I think that is the greatest thing about the vets, is that they listen to me and we work together.

Although this vet practice does SELL Science Diet foods, along with the Hills Prescription Diet foods it does not mean that they are bad vets, what it means is that they are NOT nutritionists -- not only that the makers of Science diet spend so much money on incentives and marketing, they make it very lucrative for vet practices to sell the stuff. Since I know that Science Diet is not a good food, I have done my homework and found what I believe is the best food for me to feed my crew -- the vet has made a note of my food choice in the furkid's chart and we are all happy campers. :D

Originally Posted by lilbumbleybees

you are right actually. A lot of people are very unaware of this, but Science Diet pays off a lot of vets school bills if they will sell their line of food and treats. I don't care if I'm in debt for years after school, I will never sell that crap

Originally Posted by lilbumbleybees

you are right actually. A lot of people are very unaware of this, but Science Diet pays off a lot of vets school bills if they will sell their line of food and treats. I don't care if I'm in debt for years after school, I will never sell that crap