Off to see the Dr.

Having a vet (or even several vets) that you trust is essential.  Whether you are responsible for several dogs (like we are) or you have just one, that dog's health and well being are in your care.  Unless you are vet trained yourself, it is unlikely that you are equipped to take care of all of the routine health care needs of your pet and certainly not the more complex needs.  I've commented before that it is important to be able to communicate well with your chosen vet and trust that she or he has the animal's best health interest at heart.

This morning we are off to visit our favorite doctors (who are also family members).  The trip is about a 2 hour drive each way.  We are quite sure that we drive past several very competant vets between our farm and Dr. Will's hospital.  The family connection is certainly a strong pull for us but we are so impressed with Dr. Will and Dr. Tara's willingness to carefully explain all they do to us that we would likely choose to drive that far for their services even if they weren't family.  (They have animals that they care for that are brought from much greater distances than we travel too!)

[I guess it's important to note here that we also use another great vet hospital that is MUCH closer than Dr. Will's for many needs.  In part, we feel it is important to have someone close that is aware of what we are doing so that should a critical emergency arise with one of our fine dogs that we could get attention quickly by competant doctors that we know and have confidence in.]

This morning's trip to the animal hospital in Norris, TN is for x-ray picture of Tacie and her pups in preparation fror next week's whelping. We do this for each mother dog several days before we expect her to whelp.  Getting to see the pups (and count them) helps us prepare for the birthing ordeal to come.  Knowing how many and what size they are gives us a hint about possible difficulties we may encounter. On occaision we make a decision to leave the mother at the hospital for a 'c-section' delivery if we and the doctors feel like it is in the best interest for the mother and pups. 

We may post the x-ray photo on our Facebook Page later today (if it's clear enough.) and give you an update of what we expect from Tacie . . . stand by for PUPPIES!

ps . . .  just arrived home . . .  xray shows 6 BIG pups. Dr. Will jokingly said they look as big as full grown Yorkies    ; - )


 . . . until next time . . .  Eliot   https://www.facebook.com/RosehallLargeGermanShepherds

Choosing your puppy's doctor . . .

We are very fortunate to have two wonderfully trained, highly skilled, dedicated, experienced, animal loving, veterinarians in our family.  Being family members, I suppose I was obligated to say good stuff about them but in our case we have seen them prove their skills and wisdom over and over again with our dogs.

But if you are not so fortunate as to have competant vets in the family . . .  how do you choose an animal doctor to whom you will entrust the medical care and treatment of your beloved puppy or dog when it is in need?  Dogs need good medical care just keeping up with general health issues and keeping vaccines current.  It is essential that you have a vet who you can communicate well with and who you trust. There are a great many fine and dedicated veterinarians in practice in communities across the nation to choose from.  Unfortunately there are also those who it's best to stay away from. Knowing the difference can be hard without some research on your part.

Your trips to the vet should not be traumatic for your dog (or for you either) so you are looking for a clinic or animal hospital that has a pleasant and calm environment as well as being clean.  Your routine check ups are important so that your dog gets to know and trust the doctor and the staff so that should an emergency arise the people treating the dog are not total strangers.  This will make treatment somewhat easier for both the dog and those caring for him or her.

Don't be shy about checking out references for a clinic, animal hospital or individual vet.  Check around with other dog owners . . .  even ask strangers at the dog food store . . . maybe even especially the stranger as you may get more honest answers.  Ask for stories and pay special attention to the more serious treatment needs.  No vet (or people doctor for that matter) will have a perfect 'cure' record.  There will always be losses. There will always be horror stories.  But the cream of the crop have good records and good references.  The best are also willing to get second opinions and do further research on more difficult diagnoses.  People skills are also important.  It doesn't necesarily make for better medical treatment of the condition but you are the one paying the bill and the doctor needs to be able to empathize with your stress and communicate the diagnosis and treatment options in ways that you can understand.  Ask lots of questions.  If the vet isn't able to answer to your satisfaction . . .  consider finding another one who will.

We hear way too many stories about treatments that haven't worked and dogs that have had to be 'put down' that probably could have been saved and lived comfortable lives with better veterinary care.  We also hear way too many stories about outrageous medical treatment costs (yes, competant vet care is costly . . . but price gouging is a practice that warrants you changing vets) and recommendations for extremely costly procedures that are not realistically called for.  PLEASE do some research and check out your vet options carefully. . .  for your pocket book's sake and for the well being of your dog.  The good vets are out there and they are very much worth searching for!

Our vets have a great enthusiasm for what they do and take each pet's condition seriously and personally.  We feel like they fight for each one as if it was their own.  We feel extremely fortunate that we can have such confidence in our dogs' medical professionals.  (It's also great to be part of their family.)  You can check out links to their web site and facebook page below.

until next time . . . .  Eliot    www.rosehallkennel.com

http://animalhospitaltn.com/   
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anderson-County-Animal-Hospital/127521980595008