How To Make Sure Your Dog Is In Good Shape?

Are you getting your dog his yearly veterinary exam? Do you think that because he is acting fine that he is healthy? Don’t fall into a false sense of security just because you cannot see any obvious problems. A yearly examination, which is a comprehensive checkup, will help your dog stay in good health. Your vet will be able to see things that you may not be able to, usually before they become serious. Your vet will check several parts of your dog’s body, including:
1 Abdomen, many abnormalities (lumps, distending, infections, and parasitic infestation) can be caught early through checking the abdomen area.
2 Back, spinal problems can be identified and corrected early.
3 Eyes, dull eyes can be a symptom of internal parasites. The eyes should also be free of foreign matter and excess mucus. Discharge in the eyes can be a sign of eye infections, which can be contagious to both animals and humans.
4 Ears, unpleasant smell coming from the ear is frequently an indication of bacteria and/or infection.
Which Vet is Right for You?
With the numbers of options available to most people with dogs, it is surprising to find that very few take much time in choosing their veterinarian. For the most part, gone are the days when there was one vet for several small communities, Today, you can usually find a decent choice of vets in Chislehurst within reasonable driving distance from your home. So, how do you go about finding a vet?
One of the the most obvious methods is to look in the phone book. It is not suggested that you choose a vet with this method alone; this should be a stepping stone. Find out which vets are close to you, then you will have a list of doctors to check for your dog’s care.
Once you have a good idea of which Chislehurst vets are within range for you, begin talking to others about the vet they use. Ask is they feel the vet really takes enough time to give their dog the attention he needs and if they have been happy with results of visits. You may find that many people don’t actually care for their dog’s vet but don’t take the time to find another one. All vets are not the same!
After talking to others, you have probably narrowed your list. From this modified list, take a trip, go check the offices, meet the veterinarians and office staff. While you are there, waiting to talk to the vet, chat up the receptionist. Find out how the vet’s moods are, find out if he has dog allergies (surprisingly, many do). If the vet has allergies to dog dander, your dog is better off with another vet as the doctor may rush through visits due to his allergies. You also need to find out what types of payment each vet accepts and, if you have pet insurance, you need to know whether the vet accepts it or not. Ask about emergency contingencies and whether care is available 24 hours, seven days per week.
With a little bit of effort, you will be able to find a great vet that you are comfortable with.