Choosing A Veterinarian For Your Golden Retriever’s Care
Before Bringing Puppy Home
Before ever bringing your golden retriever puppy home, you should select a veterinarian; you should also visit the veterinarian to be sure that they provide an environment that you are comfortable with. The veterinarian should be quite close to you. In large cities most people live around many veterinarians, don’t be in a rush to pick the first one you see. The veterinarian should be easy to talk to and happy to answer all your questions; choosing a person that you feel comfortable providing your golden retriever’s care is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for it.
Conditions At The Office
When visiting the veterinarians office, what was your first impression of the waiting area? What was the staff like? How many technicians did the veterinarian have, how many assistants and receptionists? These are all important questions because, when you need your vet, you don’t want to worry about how many people are available to help you. Is the office welcoming; does the veterinarian require all pets to be in carriers, or is a leash sufficient? A large dog isn’t going to appreciate being in a carrier every time your golden retriever requires care from the veterinarian. Also, if the veterinarian treats other animals, find out if they keep each species separated; a sick animal that is already scared could be made worse by unusual smells, or a frightened cat hissing at them.
Services Offered By The Veterinarian
It would be good to pick a veterinarian who has access to x-ray machines, a genetics lab, a surgery room, and ultrasound equipment; knowing if these resources are available in house or if the veterinarian must send samples to another facility, will tell you how efficiently your golden retriever’s care will be carried out. A veterinarian who also provides emergency care after hours or makes house calls would also be desirable, especially if your golden retriever has a known health condition or is pregnant.
Fees
Veterinarians often charge similar prices to human doctors, but you can’t put an animal on your HMO; not that this is an area to pinch pennies, just make sure that you aren’t paying an inflated price because the office is in a trendy area. Your golden retriever’s care shouldn’t risk running you into bankruptcy. Also, find out ahead of time what the average costs for emergency care, house visits, and special tests are.
Your Role
Your role in your golden retriever’s health care is knowing which sicknesses require veterinary attention; loose stools or diarrhea lasting less than 24 hours do not need veterinary care, the same condition lasting days certainly does. Knowing the difference between acceptable occasional behavior and emergency situations are important. Regular preventive visits, immunizations, the correct balanced diet, and good exercise should help to prevent the need for emergency medical attention.
Home Care
When your golden retriever does need veterinary care and is prescribed medication, it is essential that you diligently carry out your golden retriever’s care exactly as the veterinarian told you to; inadequate or inconsistent medical care is worse than no care at all. Additionally, knowing what to do in case you need emergency care for your golden retriever, if a true emergency arises, is important. This includes being able to administer sufficient first aid to stabilize them enough to get to the emergency center.