Your veterinarian took an oath upon graduating from their umpteen years of college that reads something like this:

“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.”

This oath is administered by the AVMA and basically states that your veterinarian is there to help you and your pet get the best care possible. But what can you do to help your vet GIVE you the best care possible?

Get Ready

Get your pets used to being handled when they are young. If this is not possible because you just got an older dog, now is the best time to start. It is important to help your pet become used to being picked up, getting their teeth and gums looked at, being felt around on their legs and paws and even being put on a scale. Work with your dog to be comfortable while they are being handled.

Get together all of your previous medical information, prescriptions and health insurance if possible. If you have time, clip your dog’s toenails and brush them out to make it easier for the veterinarian to do the exam.

Get Set

When calling to schedule an appointment, be sure to tell the receptionist the reason for the visit. Some visits may take longer, so the receptionist needs to know how long to book your visit for. If you would like a longer visit to discuss other issues with your veterinarian, ask for a longer window or book an appointment in the middle of the day; the busiest times are usually in the morning and evening.

Gather a list of questions to ask at the vet office. Asking questions is always a good way to prepare and can open the door to a more involved relationship with your veterinarian and the staff. Great questions to ask are:

• How much does he weigh?
• How did his physical exam go?
• What was his body condition score (is he healthy, overweight or underweight)
• What kind of diet does he need to be on?
• How do his teeth and nails look?
• Does he have worms or need a dewormer?
• What vaccines or routine appointments are coming up?
• What type of flea and heartworm medication would he recommend?
• Is your pet at risk for anything and how can you avoid those risks?

Go

At the vet office, make sure you have your dog properly restrained. This insures the safety of your dog and other animals at the office. Don’t forget to ask your questions and be sure to have your veterinarian explain anything that you do not understand. Be sure to bring up any changes you have seen in your dog, either physically, emotionally or mentally to be sure the vet has all of the proper information.

As always, be sure you are ready for the wait. Unexpected things occur, emergencies happen and sometimes vets get tied up and a bit behind on their schedule. Just be prepared to take some time in all of the stages of the visit; another good reason mid-day bookings work out so well.

Be sure to thank your veterinarian and the staff when you are leaving. It means the world to them and they want to make sure they are handling all of your concerns. Letting them know you appreciate them and are satisfied is a great way for your vet to gauge how they are doing. Of course, if your needs are not met be sure to kindly bring up any issues you have and make suggestions to improve your experience.