If this is the first time you have ever had to care for a disabled pet, choosing the right vet can be a challenge. Chances are, you already have a favorite vet for your furry friends. However, some vets may not be on the same page when it comes to the lengths to which pet owners will go to care for their pets especially when dealing with special needs. Some vets may also not subscribe to alternate therapies for disabled pets that you might like to try. It is important that you and your vet see eye to eye when it comes to the proper care of your pet. Here are some things to consider.
House calls
One of the first things you need to find out is if your vet is willing to come to you. Some vets do make home visits, which is a big plus if you have a large pet. Transporting a mobility-challenged German Shepherd, for instance, is no joke. However, you might find this a rarity if you live in the city, as mobile vets tend to be in rural areas where they are used to servicing horses and other large animals. A dog wheelchair would come in handy if you cannot find a vet to make house calls.
Flexibility
You want a vet who will not make you come to the clinic for every little thing. This shows that he or she has a good understanding of your pet’s condition. As willing as you might be to bring your pet in, it actually is not a good idea to bring your disabled pet out unnecessarily as in many cases, their immune system is compromised. If your vet is willing to phone in a prescription for common medications, that will save you a lot of trouble, and some money as well.
Of course, that requires a lot of trust on the part of your vet, so make sure you are deserving of it. If there is a new development in your pet’s condition, make sure your vet is aware of it so that he or she can determine if a clinic visit is necessary.
Experience
In most cases, you want a vet that has some experience with the condition of your disabled pet. On the other hand, you also want one who is open to new ideas, and that is not always the case for veteran vets. The safe thing to do is find an experienced vet who is familiar with the latest technologies and treatments, but will not prescribe the newest thing without looking thoroughly into it. In many cases, the old ways are still the best ones.
Friendly staff
Another thing you need to consider is the staff. You want them to be supportive of you and your needs. A vet might be fantastic at the job, but if you have no rapport with the staff, then you will find the experience very frustrating. Staff members should be able to remember your pet’s history, or at least take the trouble to find out, every time you make a visit. This is to spare you the frustration of having to explain the situation every time as well as making you feel that your pet is getting the necessary care. They will also accommodate you whenever they can, from making it easy to get a prescription or squeezing you in for an emergency appointment.
Of course, you also need to be easy to accommodate. Show them appreciation for the service they give you, and be open and flexible when you need to compromise on anything. Your pet will benefit from all that goodwill.
Conclusion
Caring for a disabled pet is highly stressful albeit rewarding. Finding a vet who understands the exigencies of your situation is a treasure beyond price, but it is not easy. In many cases, you will have to do some trial and error before you find a good fit. When you do, make sure you share your good fortune with others who might be in the same situation.