The right vet for a Rott?

[webangel2b]

I am changing vets; number 1 because they are a little too far away but the primary reason is because the vet we like at this location seems to have retired.

So what ?'s should be asked what should we watch out for to choose the best vet for our rott from the get-go.

1 No office fear (reception, techs, vet) about the breed. In a perfect world - they would love rotten's as much as we do :)

2 Open discussions and open minds. May be another perfect world situtations but why can't they treat us more like "We do actually know what's normal and not normal for our dogs".

Help me with more suggestions/questions and things to watch for. TIA

[bliss7373]

Make sure they have actual experience treating large/working breed dogs. There are an awful lot of vets whose practices revolve around small or toy dogs - that isn't a bad thing, that just means they're likely more familiar with the health issues faced by those breeds.

Likewise, I would ask the extent to which and how they stay up to date on the health issues faced by Rottweilers and other large breeds. Are they familiar with the latest surgical procedures to repair a cruciate? Do they go to seminars on these issues? Etc.

A good vet is worth his/her weight in gold. Good luck!

[JoJo]

You could ask your trainer or if you're in a club to ask the members who they use. That should be of some help.

I would also make sure your dog is "vet friendly", meaning good manners. Show by example.

[QuietDaze]

I don't know if your dog has any issues at the vet's office but when I switched I went in and asked them about Rottie's specifically (they have about 5 regulars), and if they handle aggressive ones (they did) and explained that they have to go slow with my dog because he is nervous. They don't believe in muzzling dogs right away until they see a need for it but they also asked my permission if they needed to.

They also asked me if I had a gender preference for him and if he is friendly towards other dogs.

[mamakimpossible]

In addition to your requirements, I would also make sure all regular procedures, nail trimmimg (if you don't do it yourself), blood tests, injections, etc. are all done in front of you. I know people who have a vet who takes their dog "in the back room" to draw blood and the such.

I have also seen the operating room and the recovery section of the animal hospital. I also noted about cleanliness, hair or lack thereof on the floors, smell, etc. not only in that area, but in the whole facility.

When you find a vet you think you like, I'd have an office visit with him/her and see how he/she and his/her staff handle your dog with the regular exam (Eyes, ears, temp, nails, teeth). Not only do you have to be comfortable, so does your dog. Office visits aren't cheap, but well worth the years of both you and your dog being comfortable!

~Kim
& Maddie