How Do I Choose the Right Vet for Me?

At some point in every pet parenting experience, we face the prospect of picking, possibly from hundreds of options, a health-care provider for our pet. In some cases, such as when dealing with exotic pets or birds, the selection of vets in your area may be smaller, making it easier to narrow it down. When we’re talking about a dog or cat, however, the numbers of possibilities can be overwhelming. So, what should we look for when we’re making this decision?

Dr. Louise Murray, D.V.M., author of Vet Confidential, provides readers with a two-part checklist of things to consider when making this important choice. She suggests gathering information such as how the patients are monitored overnight and how modern the clinic’s equipment is; additional vital questions include: are the veterinary technicians licensed and experienced, is the practice accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, and how many vets are at the practice?

The Humane Society of the United States suggests looking for a clean and well-organized practice with a calm, caring staff. They also point out that it is important to know if the practice in question offers emergency services or refers emergency patients to another location. Another good tip: ask if discounts are available for multi-pet households.

When I moved from a very small town in Mississippi to a much larger community in Alabama, I was faced with a nearly overwhelming supply of new vets to pick from— I was going from two practices in my hometown to five pages of practices listed in the Birmingham yellow pages, and had no idea where to start. For me, going with my gut was the best choice. The first practice was close to my house, but the staff seemed uncaring. The second practice was great but way out of my price range. Luckily, in a Goldilocks turn of events, the third practice I took my cat to was perfect. It was close to my home and job, the staff genuinely cared about Stanley’s well-being, the entire veterinary staff was very willing to work with me on payment options, and, best of all, the doctors and technicians never seem to tire of my endless questions and desire to learn to “help” with the exams.

If you are not brand new to an area, though, and have the benefit of friends, neighbors and co-workers to ask, I highly recommend doing so. If you know your sister loves her dog as much as you love yours, try out her vet; if your boss is obsessed with his cat, just like you, try out his doctor. There are also online pet forums with local reviews, ads in the backs of magazines such as Cat Fancy and Dogs USA, and the staff members at your local Pet Supplies “Plus” are always happy to discuss their own experiences with customers.

Clearly, pets with special needs require a special vet, and it may take a while longer to find the right fit for your diabetic dog or a cat with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. Ask if the vet you’re considering specializes, how in-depth her experience is, and if she refers out in cases of special needs animals. The HSUS reminds pet parents to look into a vet’s board certification in any specialty area.

Clearly, the task of finding the right vet for your pet can be daunting. Don’t be discouraged if you strike out a few times before finding the perfect fit—I certainly did! There is support out there and, with a little perseverance, you will find what you need.

Bored Canines

How do you prevent pet boredom? Easy: Keep your pet entertained. Sure, you can buy a tennis ball and play fetch, but even after several rounds this type of play would leave any pet bored. Most canines like to work for a reward. Pet Supplies "Plus" carries several toys that do just that. The Holee Roller is an excellent toy that your dog can chew (and for most breeds it won't get destroyed) and work for their reward. It's great for stuffing with pig ears, rawhide chew strips, or just about anything fun and appealing that your dog would enjoy. Constantly introduce new toys and chew treats to your dog and give them a nice variety.

This also goes for their diet. If you think about it, would you enjoy eating the same exact meal twice a day, 365 days a year? I know I sure wouldn't. So, why do you think your pet would? A rotational diet is a great way to keep your pet guessing at what his or her next meal will be. They won't get tired or bored, and a rotational diet will give your pet the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of proteins, fruits and vegetables. The most common reason that animals develop food allergies is because of lack of exposure to different foods.


Jackie A.
CPNA

Bored Pets

Since my wife and I have two cats, they mostly keep each other entertained when the family is out of the house. Also, when we’re home, the cats are kept busy through the best method possible—a toddler. My daughter loves to follow them around, hug and pet them, and make up songs to sing to them. However, when we are out of the house, the cats are pretty content to laze around on the couch or lie in the windowsill and watch the world go by.
All in all, since cats are more self-sufficient than dogs, we don’t have a big issue in our house with pet boredom. When they were kittens and there was no three year old to keep them company, though, it was definitely important to provide them with lots of toys, both when we were at home and when they were left alone, as well as trying to keep them mentally engaged through interactive play with laser-pointer toys, wand toys, and giving them lots of attention.

Bill R.
CPNA

No Bored Dogs!

When I’m at work and my wife is at school, we keep our two dogs entertained by leaving them lots of toys. Both of them have a KONG Genius toy, which they can play with until they get a treat out of it, as well as a variety of other toys (like Lola's favorite-- Gumby). We also leave the blinds open so they can look out the window at people and cars going by.

As soon as we get home, one of us lets the dogs outside to run around the yard and “do their business” for an hour or so. When they come in, it’s time for dinner, and then for all of us to watch T.V. for a little while before bed. Since we both spend so much time out of the house, both of us try and give the dogs extra attention when we’re at home, and take them on car rides whenever possible!

Chris A.
CPNA

How to Prevent Kitty Boredom?

Luckily for me, my two older cats are just as lazy as I am—while I’m at work they’re mostly content to lay on my bed waiting for me to come home, pet them, and cuddle up for bedtime. My little Bengal, however, is another story. If left to her own devises, Jeanie will eat the mini-blinds, viciously stalk and kill innocent loaves of bread, torment the rat (by perching on top of his cage and “talking” to him for hours), pounce on the heads of the other cats while they’re napping, and generally anything else that pops into her mind.

To keep Princess Jeanie occupied while no one is home, I switch out her toys frequently, discarding the ones that have been mostly destroyed (like the little fur mice that make it about 12 hours), and hiding the survivors to bring out later when they’ll seem new again. If we get a new cat toy in my store, it comes home with me. Jeanie has toys that give her treats, toys over-stuffed with catnip, toys that hang from doorknobs, and toys that run on batteries. Honestly, the living room floor looks like the den of a toy-eating monster—feathers, balls, and gnawed-on stuffed mice all over the place.

Another thing that helps entertain Jeanie is her kitty condos. She has three, of varying heights and styles, placed around the apartment. She enjoys both running in a giant circle and leaping onto and off of them until she tires herself out, as well as curling up on top of them to sleep. Initially, I was hesitant to spend the money on them, but now that I haven’t had to reupholster the couch, replace the carpet, or buy new blinds for awhile, I’m very pleased with my purchases!

Kristin B.
CPNA

Is your pet bored?

This month, we tackle the idea or problem of pet boredom.
It’s a tricky question because pets, by definition, usually tend to help their humans fill their disposable time, not the other way around. I am guilty of this mindset. I have one cat in my house, one lonely cat. When I am in the mood to lie around and one of my girls isn’t around to cuddle with, then I welcome my Softball like a warm, summer breeze. Most of the time, though, I am preoccupied and have no interest in my cat keeping me warm. Most of the time, I do have my wife or one of my two daughters (or both!!!) around to lean on my shoulder and, in those times, I have no interest in my cat.
When I had my dog, I fell prey to similar routines and bad habits. She was mainly an outdoor dog, so she served my needs when I was looking for some exercise or companionship. Shamefully, more times than not, her needs weren’t forefront in my mind.
In turn, it’s good to maintain that perspective when identifying ways to keep our pets stimulated when we aren’t looking for them to stimulate us.
A couple months ago, I purchased a laser toy from my store that I will drive my cat crazy with while I am lounging around on the couch. It takes little to no attention away from my college football game, and it wears him out for hours.
With dogs, boredom can be a tougher equation to solve. Would it be as cute if they were following a laser around the living room? Totally, but only until the bigger dog starts destroying the furniture and knocking over lamps.
If we aren’t in the mood to exercise with our dogs, one might try putting a treat in a Kong toy and watching the dog wrestle with it for an hour or so.
Obviously, the only cure for long hours in a crate or a dog spending most of its days outside in the yard is some good TLC coming from her owner. Sometimes, disposable time is harder to find than disposable income. And if you have some money to spend, we have plenty of tricks and treats to help your pet find their way through a boring day at home.
Kevin O.
CPNA

But It's Still Dark Out Mom!

In this week before daylight savings time ends, I have to thank my “Why are we out before the sun?” walking partner.

Sydney, you never complain that it is cold, rainy, dreary, and DARK! You just happily wag your tail and try to lick my face as I try to put on your leash. You alert me to the potential hazards, as you bark and bristle your neck,” it’s OK Syd, it’s a branch in the wind.” I don’t fear walking in the early darkness, I am not alone, and as friendly as Sydney is, I don’t think he would let anyone mess with his ‘mom’.

You’re a good friend Sydney. You give me someone to talk to when I need to talk; you are someone to be silent with, when I just need to think. Generations have dubbed you man’s best friend, but really, you are mine.

Now, if you could just hold the flashlight when I am trying to pick-up after you in the neighbor’s yard. I have had to throw out 2 perfectly good flashlights because they landed in your pile!