We all expect our Veterinarians to give us the best care at all times and under all circumstances. Many of us often do not take the time to think or even consider what is it that WE as clients can do to help make their job easier ?
After all, if we can help a practice run smoother, ensure the check in and check out of our pet is quick and efficient than your veterinarian can focus on what it is he primarily there for..to treat your pet.
Recently over at Dolitter blog Dr. Khuly touched on her Top 10 Things her Clients can do, here are a few of my own ideas:
1. When possible, schedule Veterinarian appointments when the kids are in school or you have a babysitter. Although I understand going to the Vet can be a great experience for the kids, “The Kids” aren’t always a great experience for other clients. Also, you want to be focused on your pets needs at the Vet office and our two legged kids can be very distracting !
2. When possible, weather permitting, park your car and walk into the clinic first, check out the waiting room and see if your room is ready. If the clinic is way behind and the waiting room is already hectic offer to wait outside and ask the receptionist to let you know when the doctor is ready for you.
3. If your waiting inside, and the scale is in the room go ahead and weigh your pet – one little time saver for the check in person.
4. Cats should be in a carrier and dogs on a leash!
5. Use your time with your Vet efficiently , bring a pad and pen be prepared with your questions and write down recommendations. Your appointment is scheduled for a certain amount of time, not that health care should be rushed !
6. If you are bringing your pet in for a follow up and you have concerns about his condition or progress, write down your questions and concerns so you can present them fully. Many times we leave the clinic and “oh, I should of asked this or that”.
7. My last three recommendations are related to research. If you have been researching your pets health condition and you find information on the internet or from your breeder or a friend:
- Internet sources: Print out the page, be sure you are looking at a reliable source of information. Wikipedia isn’t always reliable! If you do find information from a questionable source, then google the info you found on that source and see if you can find additional sources. Most Veterinarians will only give credence to sites that have citations that are verifiable or published in a credible journal.
- Present the information in a respectful manner! “Doctor I found this information and was wondering what your thoughts were on it?” and then hand the papers over. If you have considerable amount of information to go over with your vet, it is considerate to call ahead and schedule a consultation appoint letting them know you want to discuss various treatment options for Fluffy.
- Information from a friend or breeder is often valuable information, unfortunately most walk in a say “my breeder said to bla bla bla”. Your vet doesn’t know your breeder, doesn’t know their history or time in the breed and chances are most have little respect for breeders. In this case you need to write down or have your breeder email you so you can bring in exactly what their recommendations or thoughts were. And again approach it respectfully, “I was discussing Fluffy’s condition with my breeder and he had a few ideas since he has been in the breed for 20 years and has the bloodline, he thought maybe we should consider this drug combination or this treatment, but of course I wanted to discuss this with you, What do you think Doc ?”
Establishing a good relationship with your veterinarian is very important for the overall health of your pet and your piece of mind. Be sure to let your Vet know you appreciate them! Also, one last piece of advice – don’t forget to be nice to the front end staff !
Dr. Khuly had some great tips as well, Visit her Top 10
Have a Great Day !
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