Choosing Your Vet And Your Vet Visitations
Keep in mind, that finding the right veterinarian is similar to choosing a partner in life. As your new puppy comes into your life you will need to find someone you can count on through life's trial and tribulations, because it is not a question of whether or not you are going to have problems in life, it is a matter of how you will solve them.
Recently, while speaking with a customer they gave me the complaints of their dog's problems, and then proceeded to tell me how their vet made some general assumptions about the situation without asking for any details or background about the dog's parents or genetic history. Nor were there any questions about other dogs from that specific breeding combination. The answers they received from their veterinarian were very generalized "knee jerk" statements.
Unfortunately these kinds of veterinarians are out there. There are poor medical practitioners just as there are poor practitioners in any other profession.
Conduct interviews before allowing a vet to examine or treat your shepherd. Take notes about the following:
- From which school did he or she graduate?
- What kind of specialized studies were offered in their school programs?
- What, if any, are their personal specialties?
- What species of clientele do they regularly see?
- Do they participate in continuing education programs?
- Are they board certified in their specialties?
- Will they offer you some references from other clients?
- Will they provide you with educational resources on the care and health of your shepherd?
- What other types of vets can they refer you to if any specialists are needed for your dog?
- Are they certified to take x-rays (hips, elbows, etc.)?
All vaccinations required during the life of your dog need to be mapped out on a timeline, so, get in touch with your new vet before you bring your new dog home to understand the requirements ahead of schedule.
All these subject matters are the key to understanding the requirements of raising a great dog. Sound health practices equate to longevity and peace of mind.
If you are a breeder, you will want to also focus on these issues:
- Are they interested in being a breeder's vet- i.e. supply medicines, wormers, etc, at cost for bulk use?
- Do they have experience with cesarean procedures?
- Do they have an after office hours telephone for taking emergencies?
- What is their fee structure for shots, worming, x-rays, tattooing and microchipping, regular office visits, emergency visits, etc.
- Also, ask the vet about his knowledge of nutrition, and how protein affects a developing puppy, and long term results in an adult.
We are dedicated to the breeding of world class genetics and raising superior dogs, and we need educated experienced individuals who have open minds. Learning is an ongoing process and working with a vet is a relationship that can make or break your relationship with your greatest asset, your best friend.
Please do not hesitate to ask for help. Waiting until it is too late can be catastrophic to the health and life of your dog and to your investment. Taking quick "pat answers" from someone who is too busy to care or prejudiced by experiences of dealing with inappropriate or in-bred genetics will only cost you precious time and money and put your dog at risk. Choose a vet who specializes in large breed dogs and has an active interest in German Shepherd Dogs in particular. They are out there! And you can find them! For starters, contact the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners then consult with local Humane Societies and German Shepherd Rescue groups. All of these contacts combined can provide you with a list that will help you begin your search for the right vet for your dog and you.
Gideon at his new home in the West Indies