It’s A Dog’s Life

A Veterinarian — A Dog’s Best Friend

By Mary Jane Anderson

Whether your dog knows it or not, his veterinarian is his best friend — besides you of course. The doctor’s primary interest is in the health and well-being of your pet. All pets need a reliable veterinarian for regular check-ups and routine booster shots.

Living in a mobile society, families moving into a new town must look for a veterinarian as carefully as they do for a family doctor. Don’t wait for an emergency but ask other animal lovers for recommendations; if they are happy to tell you.

Some pet owners complain about the fees. However, the skill and extensive training doctors have gone through, which is needed for setting bones or operations, is the same as treating a human being. When you take your dog for a check-up, ask for advice on nutrition, exercise, grooming, or anything else you want to know for the well-being of your dog. Working together, you will provide the best health care for your animal companion.

Getting Acquainted

Make an appointment for the doctor to give your dog a routine check-up — an examination from nose to tail. The doctor will look at your dog’s eyes, ears, mouth, and teeth as well as listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, gently poking and probing the body for any abnormalities in the back, abdomen and limbs. The veterinarian will test your dog’s feces for worms.

If your dog is sick, try to give specific information describing his medical problems so that the doctor will be able to solve the problem faster. A pet record booklet, usually available at the veterinarian’s office, gives valuable information concerning your pet’s previous health care if you have kept a record of the animal’s shots, boosters, heartworm testing and operations. Having good communication between you and your veterinarian will help you maintain his health and well-being for years to come.

Good Manners

In return for the care and concern the veterinarian has for your dog, you owe him certain courtesies.

Leashing or carrying your pet into the reception room can be a protection for your dog as well as the other pets waiting their turns. Your dog and cat might live peacefully together, but another cat or dog might not feel the same way about being around your dog or cat. Check your dog’s collar before you get out of your car. Even well-trained dogs might suddenly balk at the door at the veterinarian’s office, slipping out of a choke collar and running into a busy street which can mean tragedy.

To be on the safe side, have your dog relieve himself before he comes into the office. This will help some of the avoidable accidents which occur in the waiting room. While you are waiting, if your dog is restless or a male begins sniffing, anticipate his move with a sharp “NO” before he might lift his leg on a chair or table to announce his presence.

Many parents bring their children along with their dog to see the doctor. The child can learn the importance of pet care and have a better understanding of their dog through the visit. The children watch the examination, asking a question or two without interfering with the examination. A visit with noisy, active children makes it difficult for the doctor to concentrate on his work as well as examine an excited dog. If your dog is ill, he should be kept in the car until the doctor can see him; the risk of infecting other healthy dogs waiting for a vaccination or a routine check-up should be avoided if possible.

These suggestions will not only help you have a healthier pet, but you will have a happier veterinarian, welcoming you with a smile.