How to pick a vet

February 12, 5:51 PMPhoenix Dogs ExaminerDan Olsen

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From my current favorite book,

Speaking for Spot

"58% of dog owners report they visit their pet's veterinarian more than they do their own physician."

So how do you know where you should take your canine companion when she needs medical attention?  A couple of thoughts come to mind.  If you're new to owning a dog ask your neighbors where they take theirs.  Go a visit one of the many local bark parks and ask around. 

It's important to know why they like the vet so much as well.  If the vet has a great personality and handles the dog's owner (you) really well, but isn't a great vet, then keep looking.  I remember many years ago my left knee really hurt and would go out on me some times.  I went to our family doctor who was a young man.  He was very outgoing and friendly and we had a great conversation as he examined my knee.  He tugged on it a few different ways and then said, "Well I'll be damned if you have ligament damage."  To which I responded, "Well then, let's hope that I don't..."

Anyway, my knee kept hurting, so I went in for a second opinion to another doctor.  This doctor pulled on my knee like the last doctor and then recommended that I go see an orthopedist.  The orthopedist pulled on my knee once and said, "You have a torn ACL."

After this, I decided that my family doctor was okay if I had a cold or something minor, but if I suspected something was really wrong with me, I needed to see someone that wasn't as charismatic, but a better doctor.  The same holds true for your pet.  When you take your dog in to see a vet, after getting good recommendations from several people, ask probing questions.  Is your vet a "general practitioner" or does she have a specialty?

Your dog deserves the best care she can get and it's up to you to make sure that she does.