How to Talk to the Vet

You know your pet better than anyone, and there’s nothing more important than protecting her health. Visits with the vet are critical, but you do not need a degree in veterinary medicine to contribute something valuable to the conversation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. When you make your vet appointment, explain the reason for the exam in detail. If your pet is already scheduled for its yearly shots or regular nail trim, do not wait until the appointment to tell your vet about an unusual behavior or illness.
2. Go into your appointment prepared to talk to the vet. If your pet is sick or exhibiting an unusual behavior, keep a detailed record of the symptoms, preferably in a calendar on which you can note the days, times and circumstances of the behavior. Note any stressful situations or changes you have made to your pet’s diet or exercise frequency.
3. Before your vet begins the exam, review all the reasons for your appointment. Mention the specific treatments, exams or procedures the dog is scheduled to have, and then bring up any behavior or symptoms you want the vet to explore.
4. As your vet explains her findings to you, listen closely. Ask any questions as they occur to you. If you wait until the end of the appointment, you may forget.
5. If your vet tells you that your pet needs further tests, ask for a written estimate before agreeing. If you are on a budget, explain what you can afford. The doctor is obligated to reveal every diagnostic test that is available for your pet. However, you can ask him to conduct only those tests that are critical to your dog's current health.
6. Do not leave your vet appointment with unanswered questions. Even if your vet sends in a vet tech or assistant, ask to talk to the vet again if there is something you don't understand.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have researched your pet’s illness or symptoms and your vet discounts
• If your vet handles your pet in a manner that makes you uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• If your pet is sick and the vet suggests euthanizing him, discuss the alternatives. There may be treatments or procedures available that she does not recommend only because of the cost. Yet this may be a circumstance in which your budget is not an issue.
• If you and your vet have different opinions on what's best for the health of your pet, find a new vet.