I enjoy the opportunity to share the perspecive of like-minded media outlets focusing on pet health. Recently, Julia Williams published an article that caught my interest:
How Do You Know if Your Vet is a Keeper?
By Julia Williams
Of all the things we can do to help our pets live long and happy lives, finding a great veterinarian is definitely near the top of the list. Because we rely on their expertise for basic pet care as well as emergencies, it’s vital to find a vet that both you and your pet are comfortable with, and one that you’re confident will help you make the best decisions for your pet. It can be a challenge, though – just as it can be to find the right doctor for your own healthcare needs. There are many factors that determine whether your pet’s vet is a keeper. Here are some:
Bedside Manner
The way your vet interacts and communicates with you is an important aspect of the relationship. Visits to the vet are often stressful because we are worried about our pet’s health. A good vet will be compassionate and will try to make you feel at ease. They also need to have excellent communication skills, and be able to clearly explain treatment options, test results, medications, at-home procedures and other things relating to your pet’s care. Your vet should also have a good bedside manner with your pet; you should feel as though they really care about your pet.
Willing to Explain
A vet who rushes through the exam as though their primary concern is adhering to a predetermined time limit for the visit, regardless of what might ail your pet, is definitely NOT a keeper. You may be ushered out before you feel your concerns were really heard or before you have a thorough understanding of your pet’s health or care. If any veterinarian makes you feel that way, walk out and never go back.
A good vet takes the time to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about different treatment options. They explain what the risks or side effects are, what a particular procedure entails and what they feel is the best course of action for your situation.
I feel so fortunate to have found a wonderful vet. I’m sure I try her patience with my endless questions and inability to make quick decisions, but she never lets it show. Once, when faced with a difficult choice, I asked her “If this were your cat, what would you do?” She answered the question honestly, giving me her personal opinion as a pet owner. I was the one who ultimately made the decision, but knowing what she would do in my situation was helpful.
Willing to Listen
Being a pet owner carries great responsibility; we have a duty to be as informed as possible when something is wrong with them. So yes – I will admit to looking stuff up on the internet before a vet visit. However, I’m very careful about the sites I trust. I don’t randomly surf to self diagnose but just to get general information and questions for the vet visit.
My vet is a keeper because she doesn’t roll her eyes when I whip out my questions. Unlike my human doctor, my vet doesn’t give me “that look” when I ask about something I read online. She listens to my concerns and is willing to discuss them.
The Support Staff
During any vet visit, you will encounter individuals other than your veterinarian. You should feel comfortable with the expertise of the vet techs since they will likely be interacting with your pet and performing some procedures, such as drawing blood.
You should also always be treated fairly and respectfully by the receptionist. Never underestimate the value of this relationship – because they are the “gatekeeper” to your vet and will control how quickly you can get an appointment when an urgent situation arises. If you love your vet but have an issue with someone on their staff, try discussing the problem with your vet to see where they stand. Often times this will resolve the issue but if it doesn’t, it’s probably best to look for a new vet.
A Like Minded Philosophy
Do you prefer a vet who integrates holistic care with conventional treatments, or one who is strictly traditional? Does their opinion on vaccination protocol match your own? Do you want a vet who keeps current on new treatment options and changing trends in pet care? These are all important things to consider when deciding if your vet is a keeper.
Flexibility
If you incur a large vet bill, will they allow you to make payments? This can be a consideration if you have budget constraints, because you don’t want to make treatment decisions based on whether or not you can pay for them immediately.
Willing to Make Amends
Vets are only human, which means sometimes they make mistakes just like the rest of us. Good vets are willing to admit when things haven’t gone as smoothly as they should have, and will make amends.
What other things do you consider when deciding if your vet is a keeper?
This article was originally published on the CANIDAE Responsible Pet Ownership blog (linked to:
http://www.canidae.com/blog/) on November 14, 2014. Reprinted with permission.
Photo credit:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/aon/2322288355/sizes/m/