Looking for a vet you can trust for the best preventative care and innovative treatment?
There’s so many clinics to choose from. You might have to try out a few before you find “the one.”
Keep in mind that you may need multiple vets: a traditional vet, a holistic vet, and an emergency 24/7 vet.
Here are the questions you should ask at your introductory visit.
Can I call, text or email you with questions?
If you have a quick question, you should not have to go to your vet’s office for a visit, especially if the issue is not urgent.
You should feel comfortable asking questions. If your vet rushes through your office visits and does not seem willing to discuss issues at length, Most importantly, your vet, vet techs and office staff should be friendly and make you feel at ease. When you’re stressed, your dog will notice, and that will make vet visits much scarier for them.
What if my dog needs expensive, life-saving treatment?
Emergency surgery can cost thousands of dollars. Chronic illnesses like diabetes and kidney disease can rack up huge vet bills. Hopefully, you will never have to hesitate to say “yes” to your dog’s treatment because you have no idea where you would get the money.
Most veterinarians take Care credit and pet insurance. They may also offer payment plans. Your vet will be happy to recommend pet insurance plans and answer your questions about financing large bills.
What is the best diet for my dog?
Most traditional veterinarians only trust a few dog food brands like Science Diet and Royal Canin. Many will tell you to only feed commercial dog food and treats and will completely discourage feeding any kind of fresh food.
Dogs, like all animals, thrive on fresh, whole foods, not a processed diet. If you choose to feed your dog a completely raw diet, you will need a holistic vet to help you formulate a diet plan that fulfills all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
If you would rather feed commercial kibble or canned food, your dog can still benefit from fresh meat, fish, eggs and produce. You won’t necessarily need to go to a holistic veterinarian. But a good traditional vet will be able to help you decide which fresh foods to add to your dog’s diet. Steer clear of vets that tell you that all fresh food is forbidden “people food.”
Diet plays a huge role in your dog’s health. It can prevent or even treat some medical issues. While more research is needed to prove the benefits of some ingredients, there’s usually no harm in adding them to your dog’s diet.
Ask your vet if you can add meat, fish and veggies to your dog’s bowl or use them as snacks and treats. If they seem knowledgable about the importance of fresh nutrition, you’ll be able to depend on them to help you make healthy choices for your dog.
Can you help me decide which vaccines my dog needs?
Your vet can help you decide which vaccines your dog needs and how often to vaccinate, factoring in your dog’s age, health, lifestyle, and which diseases that are prevalent in your area.
Generally speaking, vaccinations are effective at preventing life-threatening diseases. You should get your dog vaccinated when the risk of contracting the disease is greater than the small risk of adverse side effects.
In Toronto and most other regions, dogs and cats are required by law to receive a rabies vaccination every three years.
Your veterinarian should be able to help you decide what additional vaccinations your dog needs, and when. You’ll want to do your own research on each vaccine, and your veterinarian should respect that by giving you time to go home and decide, rather than pressuring you to give in while you’re at their clinic.
Traditional Vets In And Around Toronto
VETS Toronto – 24/7 emergency services, surgery, dentals and routine visits.
1025 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ontario M4E 1T4
Usher Animal Hospital – routine visits, ultrasounds, x-rays, dentals and surgery.
29 Chaplin Cres, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 1A2
Front Street Vet – routine visits, ultrasounds, x-rays, dentals and surgery.
548 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3N5
2339 Brimley Road, Scarborough, ON M1S 3L6
Holistic Vets In And Around Toronto
The Holistic Vet – acupuncture, nutrition, homeopathy
987 Davis Dr, Newmarket, ON L3Y 2R7
Walden Animal Hospital – Traditional and holistic services
11 White Rd, Lively, On, P3Y 1C3
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