By Jodiann Cates, HGDR. 2008.
In a previous article Better Vet Visits you learned how to get more
out of your trips to the vet and were encouraged to take active
steps to educate yourself, ask questions of your vet and talk out
vet visits after the fact with a friend you trust if you don’t
understand something.
Now what if you know its time for a change? You may have tried the
advice above and your vet blew you off, or you just get the feeling
there is something better out there. You might be moving to a new
location or your favorite vet just closed their doors. Whatever the
reason, finding a vet takes work and the best time to find one is
now, before you need one.
1. Get together a list of hopefuls. Ditch the phone book, ask
people you trust, who have the same breed as you or the same issues
as your pet. Sure the phone book will give you a place to start, but
narrowing that list down is a big job and you need to find a vet,
not interview every vet in the book. Plus the phone book won’t tell
you the vets to avoid. Contact your local rescue group, they have
TONS of experience with vets, both the good and the bad.
2. Spot Check the Internet. Now you have a short list of
hopefuls, but you want to know more, drop the vet’s name and general
location into a search engine and see what comes up. There are sites
offering reviews by actual clients that give feedback on service.
You will also bring up any articles a vet may have written, or been
written about them in your search. But most important you might find
a web home so you can look up and browse a clinic website to find
out, basics like hours, services, education, years of experience,
specialties etc. All this specific information should shorten your
list accordingly.
3. Call each vet office. Ask the specifics you couldn’t learn
on the internet, what type of anethstesia they use, ( visit http://www.heartlandgdr.org/dane_education.htm
for more info on this and other Great Dane Health issues.) Is
someone present to check up on animals recovering overnight? If not,
can you take your pet home overnight for recovery? Of special
consideration for Great Danes, is there boarding space, exam space,
a large enough scale, etc. for Giant Breeds? What is the emergency
procedure for GDV (Gastric Dilation and Voluvus) aka Bloat and
Torsion? Know if they are available for after hours emergencies or
if they are part of a co-op of vets who take turns covering call
duty. Or do they simple refer clients to a local 24 hour vet? Ask if
it’s a good time to speak with the vet. If it’s not, make an
appointment to call to cover whatever the front office cannot
answer. Again, this should shorten your list even more.
4. Visit each vet office still on your list. Please, don’t
abuse this visit. Make an appointment to bring your pet in for a
general check up or vet consultation, meaning you will be paying for
this visit. Bring your list of questions, be quick but cover your
topics and don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your opinions and
any concerns you have. Paying for this visit sets the tone that you
are serious about considering this vet and not just looking.
5. Visit More than one office. A true comparison is NOT
possible unless you get two vet consultations at least. Keep in
mind, you are looking to put your pet into the hands of a clinic in
good times and emergency situations when you and your pets are the
most stressed. So if you’re not at ease during a consultation or you
feel belittled, rushed, or the staff is not gentle enough with your
pet, be aware these negative issues will be amplified during an
emergency. Get another consultation elsewhere.
To assist Great Dane Owners within HGDR’s Adoption Area the
following members offer their vet recommendations…
Jan Cates Drs. Peters & DeMars, OSU, Stillwater, OK
Loree Boyer Drs. Joe Gorsh & Troy Smith, Mulvane, KS
Randy Holloway Drs. Gregory Bogue&Jason Albertson, Wichita KS
Doris Marr Drs. Beth & Douglas Ruby, OKC, OK
Scott Millstead Dr. Steve Scwandt, Guthrie, OK
Brenda Young Dr. James Jorgensen, Midwest City, OK
It can be a hard call deciding when to go to a vet for an emergency
and when it’s best to wait and see. If you have ever agonized over
this decision the next article in this series “Vet Emergencies” will
help.
Related Articles:
Part 3 Vet Emergencies: Wounds
Part 4 Vet Emergencies: Illness ( coming soon)