Some Vet Advice..

[carleirulesme]

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

I agree, My vet is an "old school", he's great, he's always been great with Cash and always says, I wouldn't like to do that right now, or I don't think we need to do that, because these little guys are so small and this and that... Just like your vet, I can drop off a stool sample or what not and not be charged an office visit, (I think, guess i'll find out thursday)... I like my Vet, I'd recommend him to anyone, he cares about his patients and he's very fairly priced! We take our Chinchilla's to another vet, because my vet has a partner who's rarely there and they charge more for exotic animals, and this other vet is in, out, and that's that... not personable, nothing.. I feel rushed and unimportant.. good thing, I don't go there often!

[Rae Rae]

Originally Posted by Diego

Mommy instincts can fail too .

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.

[monkeyandpenut]

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.

[Julez]

I don't completely trust human doctors or vets. I always do my own research before making a medical decision, and I've always trusted my instincts. I find that I'm right more often than the doctor or vet is. Half the time when I've taken my baby to the vet, it was obvious that he was just guessing. With all my research, I have found that I know more about toy breed dogs than any of the vets I've gone to. I don't think they have time to learn about every breed, and small dogs are different.

I know they go through a lot of training, but no one knows everything. I listen to what my vet says, but I take everything with a grain of salt. I do the same thing with my doctors. I don't think I'm arrogant, I just know my body and I know my dog.

[Catrina]

: Yup! Everything I was trying to say, but you said it better!

[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.

[chattiesmom]

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.

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.

[Zoiesmom11]

My vet recommended Iams, Eukanuba and Science Diet. I was shocked that he didn't mention Merrick's, Wellness, Solid Gold, etc. I was almost disappointed that he didn't mention any of the "higher end" brands I've learned about here. I don't mind paying more for food if that means my dog will live a healthier life!

[BabyFidgette]

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.

Yes, I agree. My aunt's dog Zoie had HORRIFIC breath! It was because of her double fangs. It's better now that she had them pulled. But, if there wasn't a problem, some people leave well enough alone for them to fall out. To each his own.

[mommiesboy]

My Vet sells Science Diet,I told him that I wouldn't buy it because of the testing facility I read about,his reply and I quote" all companies have testing facilities,some are better than others". This is a Purdue University graduate that has been in business for probably 20 years and is one of the best in Central Indiana.I was horrified and told him so even though it didn't do any good.The safest and best control testing that I have found is Royal Canin
and my dogs love it.

[mommiesboy]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

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.

In case I missed it,what is your choice

[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

[Zoey's Momma]

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

[BabyFidgette]

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

You know what? They could "sell" it, but not "push it."

[js590]

I have been with my vet for more than 10 years. My baby is 12 years old now and I don't ever remember my vet, his assistants, techs, etc. pushing ANY products. Just the opposite. My vet is very conservative when it comes to tests, products, and treatment. Sometimes I wish he was more aggressive with treatment. I know he often worries about cost and we are fortunate enough to be able to provide for our little girl who has been sick most of her life. Medicine is called a Practice for a reason. It is a science and it is not an exact science. If you are uncomfortable with your vet or feel you have been taken advantage of, then find another vet.