How to Choose a Good Veterinary Hospital
 by: Diana Romaxx

One of the most important decisions that you can make as a pet owner is choosing where to take your pet for medical care. One of the best ways to learn about veterinary hospitals in your area is to simply ask around. Inquire where your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors go and if they can make any recommendations. We found our dog's veterinarian through recommendations from our friends at our local park.

Another way that you can search for a new veterinarian doctor or hospital is by looking on-line or through the yellow pages. There will certainly be a lot of listings that will include information about licensing, certification, a list of services, office hours, etc., and although it’s important to look for specific qualities when choosing a veterinarian, location is also a big factor. But don’t decide to go to ABC Animal Hospital just because it’s closest to your home. It's possible that by driving a few more extra miles you could find a veterinarian that could provide you with more specialty services that might even save you more money in the long run.

Many veterinary hospitals cater to working individuals by offering late office hours. This can be a godsend especially if you are dealing with a pet that has a chronic disease or a condition that requires regular check-ups and prescription refills. Some hospitals also offer 24-hour care and emergency services on-site while others will refer you somewhere else, even during regular business hours. Be sure to ask about emergency services when seeking out an animal hospital so that you can be prepared in case something unexpected happens.

Be sure to visit any hospital where you plan to take your pet. While visiting you could also ask if you can possibly take a tour of the facility. Pick up brochures to take home with you such as a price list of sevices offered, etc. You may read information about how to choose the right “doctor” for your pet and it is important to feel comfortable with your pet’s veterinarian, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember this could be your pet's veterinarian for many years to come.

The intimacy that a one-doctor veterinarian hospital offers can be very reassuring because when something goes wrong with your pet you will always see the same doctor. However, a one-doctor staff also means that office hours are going to be limited, especially when the doctor goes on vacation, leaves for a conference or an unexpected emergency. So it would be a good idea to discuss these scenarios with your veterinarian. He may have a veterinarian colleague that temporarily fills in for him while he is away or he may offer another alternative solution.

In any event, you might also consider making alternative plans with another veterinarian hospital so that you have other options when your regular veterinarian is not available. You would have great peace of mind knowing that someone else will be there as a back-up in case your pet became ill, someone to call if you needed advice or simply to ask a question.

Planning your pet's medical care takes time and energy, but is well worth the effort, because once you have found the care and services of a good veterinarian, you know that these were the important decisions that helped to provide the foundation of your pets good health and long life.

About The Author

by: Diana Romaxx, of Maxxamillion's Dog House. She publishes articles for her dog's website @www.maxxamillion.com.

Chicago's Paw-master Maxxamillion suites up to bark out the word about Dogs! Save A life Adopt A Pet!

How To Choose a Good Boarding Facility For Your Pet!

Sometimes the most difficult thing a pet owner has to deal with is leaving their beloved companion behind while going away on a trip or vacation. Who do you trust? Finding a place where you know your pet will be happy and comfortable can make the whole experience less stressful for everyone.

Be sure to visit any facility you are considering in person. This is an absolute MUST! Is the place clean? How do the animals look? Are they sitting in clean or soiled cages? If you are boarding a cat make sure the cats are kept in an area that is separate from the dogs.

Do not leave your pet anywhere that does not require him to be up to date on current vaccinations, including a negative fecal check.

A lot of veterinary hospitals offer boarding services. It may surprise you though that this may not be the best place to board your pet, UNLESS they have a separate staff and facility designated for boarding.

First of all, how would you feel hanging out in a human hospital for a few days? No thanks! Hospitals are just that—hospitals. Your pet is not going to have any fun staying in a veterinary hospital while you go away.

Most clinics are not setup well for boarding purposes. The hospital staff is often focused on taking care of sick patients. Chances are, if your pet is boarding at a hospital he will be taken care of only after all the sick animals have been attended to. Veterinary hospitals often are not staffed 24-hours, so your buddy may be spending a lot of quiet time alone. In addition to that, he may be hanging out with a bunch of sick pets. Not good.

However, many veterinary hospitals have a separate staff and facility designated for boarding. This could be an excellent option, just be sure to check it out in person.

When visiting a boarding facility make sure the animals are kept safe while spending time outdoors. They should never be left in any confinement area unattended for long periods of time. I’ve heard horror stories of dogs escaping from outdoor pens while boarding staff was inside cleaning kennels. Make sure all fences look secure, especially if you dog is prone to being an "escape artist

Also make sure that your pet is not given any toys or bones he could choke on. Many kennels have restrictions on the types of toys and treats you can leave with your pet which is a good sign because it means that they are aware of choking hazards.

When checking out a kennel be sure to find out what kind of schedule your dog will be on. How often will they feed him? How often will he go outside? Do they allow you to bring his own food? Can he have his special blanket?

Ask your veterinarian if they know of any good boarding facilities. Often they know the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to kennels in your area. Just be sure to visit any kennel you are considering for your pet in person. You may even want to take your pet along for the ride so he can tell you what he thinks of the place too!

by: Diana Romaxx, of Maxxamillion's Dog House
www.maxxamillion.com

Maxxamillion is doing well with his rehab and walking around a bit more each day. He had a ultra-sound done last week in Buffalo Grove which did show two spots in his stomach area. He is on two homeopathic medications one for his arthritis Traumeel anti-inflammatory and one is Mycelia for his immune system. He is still a big joker and loves to play with his toys and give us a hard time, I could almost see him laughing at us, We love it though! Thanks to the wonderful doctors and staff at Integrative Pet Care.