Title: How To Get Your Dog Health Questions Answered
Author: Sylvia Dickens
How To Get Your Dog Health Questions Answered
Are you reluctant to ask your veterinarian those touchy dog
health questions? Some people accept the veterinarians'
first suggestion for treatment without knowing all the
options. They might be concerned about stepping on the
veterinarians' toes by challenging their decision.
Unfortunately, this can lead to dissatisfaction when the
bill comes in. It's important to get your dog health
questions answered before any treatment begins. If you're
hesitant, especially if you're questioning his decision,
here are some tips to help you.
Always remember that your dog's health is your
responsibility in conjunction with your veterinarian'
expert advice. A good veterinarian will want to provide you
and your dog with the best and quickest solution, which can
be dramatic and expensive. Sometimes, however, there are
less expensive options that he can try first.
Is he open to your input?
One of the first considerations is whether he is open to
your dog health questions. If he isn't, if he rushes you
through and shows little time or patience to listen to your
concerns, find another vet.
It's not uncommon for personalities to clash. It happens
between dogs, it happens between people and it happens
between vet and dog/dog owner. Don't be afraid to find
someone who is better suited to your needs.
Prepare yourself
Before making a decision about treatment, do some research
on your own about your dog's condition. Check the Internet.
Read up on the disease at your local library. Sometimes,
the vet will have pamphlets that can be quite helpful. Look
at the treatment options suggested in those resources.
Offer suggestions
Make notes and take them to your veterinarian. Get
clarification from him that his treatment choice is the
best. Find out why the others are not viable options for
your dog. There are always variables, including your dog's
overall condition, his age, the extend of the disease, the
location of the disease, and your dog breed. Your vet will
take all these into consideration.
Ask for payment options
As the client, you have every right to get your dog health
questions answered. If the treatment is expensive, don't be
afraid to ask if he has a payment plan to make it more
affordable for you. He doesn't want to see your pet suffer
any more than you do. Be honest about your situation and he
is sure to do whatever he can to help you through this
difficult time.
Ask the tough questions
Some clients complain about paying a huge bill, only to
have their pet die shortly thereafter. It's easy to accuse
the vet of taking advantage of the situation to make money.
Good veterinarians will assume you want to spend as much
time with your dog as possible, even if it only means a few
more months. As long as the dog can be treated and saved
from pain and discomfort, he will want to do whatever is
necessary to make that happen.
These are questions you might want to ask your vet before
agreeing to treatment: will your dog be comfortable, will
he be in pain, and what is his life expectancy at that
time. Once you have these answers, you will be better able
to make a good decision for you and your dog.
Take every opportunity to be up front with your
veterinarian. Prepare for his diagnosis and
recommendations, and then get your dog health questions
answered before treatment begins.
About the Author:
Want more dog tips? Get Sylvia's free dog guide, "Unveiling
the Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy" at
http://ebook-
Training product reviews and recommendations at
http://www.ebook-
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