Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
When I reflect on all the veterinarians we’ve worked with—and it had been quite a few, it brings up an important question. What makes a good veterinarian? Out of all the choices you need to make for your dog’s well-being, this is one of the essential decisions. A good veterinarian is worth their weight in gold. Spoiler alert: A good…
Did your veterinarian answer all your questions and addressed your concerns? Are there things you forgot to ask? Don’t ever leave the vet’s office unless you’re fully satisfied that you understand what is going on with your dog. You should be walking out either with a diagnosis and a treatment plan or at least a plan of action and further…
Do you know what questions to ask your veterinarian? In the past, when I was going to a vet, whether it was for a scheduled exam or with a medical problem, I just went. What else would one need, right? Show up, bring the dog–that’s it, isn’t it? Then I came home and realized how many things I forgot to…
Do you take your dog for regular wellness exams? Or do you wait until something is wrong? Wellness exams are often an underappreciated part of preventive health care. But why go to a vet when there is nothing obviously wrong? By the time there is something obviously wrong–except for trauma or infection–it’s been going on quietly for quite some time.…
Annual versus wellness exams–is there a difference? Veterinary wellness exams should be about much more than vaccination boosters. Even though vaccination reminders are often a tool veterinarians use to get you in the clinic, there are better reasons both parties should understand. When Keep the Tail Wagging rose this question, I was surprised. There is a difference? I always thought…