How To Choose The Right Vet For Your Chihuahua
Whether you’re a new Chi owner, or if you’ve owned dogs your whole life - taking care of a puppy can seem overwhelming. From potty training to playtime, dogs need our undivided attention to be healthy and happy. A crucial part of your Chihuahua’s well-being depends on its veterinarian, so you must ask yourself - How to Choose the Right Vet?
- Search for recommendations.
- Visit local offices.
- Keep the location in mind.
- Make sure the vet agrees with your thoughts on pet care.
- Consider the financials.
- Check the vet's credentials.
- Visit the office with your Chihuahua.
Search For Recommendations.
A good place to start when choosing the right vet for your Chihuahua is to search for recommendations. Ask your friends and family about their experiences, mingle with other Chihuahua owners, or even just look up the reviews of a clinic online. It’s very important for your vet to be recommended by other people, as dog owners are very serious about their furry friends’ health.
Naturally, recommendations aren’t the be-all-end-all when it comes to pet care. Every dog and owner is different, and what works for someone else may not work for you and your Chi. As a result, it’s important to consider other factors before settling on the ideal vet for your pooch.
Visit Local Offices.
Take a look at some of the vet clinics in your town and visit them in person, without your dog. The goal of this step is for you to see how well the office is being run. Take a mental note of potential deal-breakers, such as a dirty office, a disorganized space, or a rude and unhelpful staff.
While you’re there, feel free to ask general questions about the business. Enquire about the services they offer (X-rays, tests, surgeries), their working hours, general wait time, etc. Whatever comes to mind, now is the time to ask.
Don’t be afraid to go overboard with questions. A good staff will be more than happy to tell you everything you want to know to put your mind at ease. After all, they should know how important your Chi’s health is to you. However, it’s best to keep a list of questions with you when you visit to make the process as quick as possible.
Keep The Location In Mind.
It’s impossible to keep a close eye on your pet 100% of the time. Accidents happen, and when they do, you want your vet to be as close as possible. Let’s say your dog ate something poisonous, got bit on its morning walk, or has a sudden seizure - emergencies like these require a fast trip to the vet.
As a result, it’s crucial that your preferred clinic is near your home. Time is of the essence when it comes to emergency visits, and the faster you can get your Chi to the vet, the better. If you’re dead set on a vet that works a few hours away, make sure to ask them for the closest emergency clinic in case of a crisis.
Make Sure The Vet Agrees With Your Thoughts On Pet Care.
After all, veterinarians are human. Their opinions will differ on a variety of important topics, such as neutering, treating cancer, alternative medicine, and euthanasia. It’s pivotal that you find a vet that shares your personal philosophies. Otherwise, you may get frustrated with the advice you receive as a pet owner.
On top of that, the way your vet operates is also important. Do you want a more friendly, approachable, giddy vet that is as passionate about Chihuahuas as you are, or a more business-oriented, firm vet that takes dog care incredibly seriously? It’s easier to trust your vet if you respect their methods.
However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t make vital decisions on your pet’s behalf without consulting a vet. Your philosophies need to be in line with your vet’s, but not at your Chi’s expense. After all, veterinarians are the experts on your dog’s health.
Consider The Financials.
Naturally, the financial aspect of choosing the right vet is essential. After all, unexpected vet bills can quickly add up, and they may wreak havoc on your wallet if you aren’t properly prepared. As a result, it’s important to ask all questions regarding the financials of your clinic, such as insurance coverage, costs of emergency visits, payment policies, etc.
On the other hand, it’s never a good idea to choose the cheapest option. Although there are exceptions, it’s only natural to assume that the low cost equals low quality. It’s better to be skeptical when something seems too good to be true, so be extra careful when choosing the right vet.
Check The Vet's Credentials.
Of course, it’s extremely important for your vet to operate 100% legally. Make sure that the veterinarian is accredited according to your country’s laws. Additionally, you can also use this time to check the clinic’s qualifications and expertise, including the assistants’ and nurses’ credentials.
Additionally, now is the time to see whether your vet is specialized in dog care. Ideally, your perfect vet should be experienced in working with Chihuahuas, specifically. Check our “Bonus Advice” section for additional information.
Visit The Office With Your Chihuahua.
Finally, it’s time for your little furry friend to meet the staff! The goal of this visit is for you to see how the employees interact with your pooch. Are they attentive to your dog’s needs? What are they doing to make sure your Chi feels safe and calm?
Ideally, the staff will explain why they are treating your dog a certain way and what outcome to expect. For example, they may ignore your Chi until it calms down. No, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t paying attention, they are just making your dog feel safe and not threatened.
Most importantly, do you feel like the staff genuinely loves animals? If so, you have nothing to worry about! Rest assured that your little munchkin is in good hands.
Bonus Advice
- Choose a vet that specializes in dog care, if you can find one in your area. Just like doctors, vets can be experts on different species, and it’s best if you opt for a vet that exclusively treats dogs. Additionally, if the staff has considerable experience treating Chihuahuas - even better!
- If you’re working a regular job, the vet’s working hours are vital. Will you be able to regularly take your dog for a check-up if they work at the same time as you do? Make sure to check the clinic’s opening and closing hours, and build your schedule around that.
- A good vet will always have the patience to explain their methods. After all, it’s your furry friend’s health in question, and it’s important for you to perfectly understand what’s going on with your Chi. If the vet doesn’t seem interested in walking you through the process of pet care, consider finding a different one that will.
- Don’t wait until your dog has a health issue to start searching for a vet. As you’ve probably noticed, finding the right vet for your Chi can be a long process. As a result, it’s best if you’re already settled on the perfect fit when your Chihuahua is in good health.
Conclusion
Finding the right vet to treat your Chi can be a daunting task! However, our checklist should give you a good idea of what to look for when searching for the ideal clinic. From the staff’s expertise to the way they treat your pooch, there are a lot of things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect vet!
Nevertheless, the best place to start is other people. If you know other Chihuahua enthusiasts such as yourself, ask them for recommendations. Consider joining online forums of fellow Chi owners for a more objective and honest look into your local clinics!
However, the most important thing is for you to listen to your gut. If you feel uncomfortable with a veterinarian everyone else loves, find someone else. After all, the most important thing is your Chi’s health and happiness, and you can’t have that with a vet you dislike.