Vet interview

[TheWholePack]

I am hoping I can count on your experience here.

Lately I have been disappointed with my vet. Reading the threads here I am realizing that I need to find someone else that shares my philosophy on pet care.

I have 6 dogs, no kids, and they are my family. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for them and, of course, I want to provide the best care possible to ensure a long, enjoyable, and healthy life for all. I live in Mexico (I'm not from here) so I'm often dealing with a culture that can see pets as disposable....heart-breaking, but true. (6 dogs = 4 rescues that broke my heart when I came across them starving and scared on the street. Now they are beautiful, trained, happy, and socialized!)

I am limited down here in many aspects such as training, quality food (I buy mine in the US, a 3 hour drive every month), and vet care. I am unhappy with my vet for the following:

1) He vaccinates twice a year.
2) Now that I'm dealing with thyroid issues with my Blue Heeler, he's quoting the same articles I'm finding on the internet.
3) He just doesn't seem to care, he's lacking genuine compassion or interest. I guess the money-making has come to light.

After 15 years of living down here I am seriously considering moving back to Canada in order to ensure quality care for my pets. While I am working on this transition, I'd like to find another vet that I feel confident with.

I would love some ideas from the forum members on questions you've asked vets before making a decision. I'm making a list of topics to approach them on (as I am somewhat forgetful) and I'm interested in your opinions. Thanks so much!

 

[Jynx]

I would start with a listing of vets in the area you would be willing to travel,

I'd then go with some of the things you've posted,,write down YOUR views/philosphies on health care, and ask them what theirs are, for example, what is their vaccine protocal? (gosh twice a year??what is he vac'ing for at 2x a year????) Do they have 24 hour er services? Since you have a dog with a thyroid condition, and I'm getting that YOU are pretty "up" on his condition,,ask them what their method of treating would be if any?

I'd ask them if they are familiar with your breed of dogs,,how long they've been in practice, I'd ask where they went to vet school..Do they ever take seminars/workshops and keep up with latest treatments/diseases..

Sounds like alot, but I'm just throwing some stuff out there.
Good luck !
diane

 

[TheWholePack]

Thanks Diane. You made some good points that will help me out.

I've never given in to the twice a year vaccination. It's a full round of vaccinations and I've only ever given them once a year. Reading the threads here I'm going to continue to research and maybe reduce that.

Every time my dogs had any kind of illness he suggested I reconsider increasing vaccinations......not that they have anything to do with the occasional swollen glands or runny stool. I would guess he's used to dealing with people that blindly trust what he says or have ornamental dogs (the purebred that lives it's life in a small yard just to show that they can have one.....)

Like I said, the pickings are slim here, but I'll be making the rounds to find one more to my liking.

As for Lucky and his thyroid problem; there is a holistic vet in Austin (about 7 hours away by car) that I am considering paying a visit to. My vet's first choice was removing the thyroid glands which, in my opinion, is far too invasive as a first resort. Lucky has Hyperthyroidism, not very common in dogs. I posted a question about it a few days ago.

Thanks again!