Practical Tips to Know Which Veterinary Clinic Suits Your Pet the Best

Your pets do get sick and while some ailments can resolve on their own or can be treated with homemade fixes, there are times when the ailment is best treated by a veterinarian. To keep your pet safe and make sure that you are accommodated for emergencies, it's important that you find a good veterinary clinic before you even need one. But would you know which one suits your pet the best? Here are tips you can use:

Ask for references from people who have pets

If you have no idea where to find a veterinary clinic, begin by asking family members, neighbors or friends who have pets. If their pets are healthy and happy or have pets with recurring conditions, there's a good chance that they use the services of a veterinary clinic. You could also use local phone or online directories to find veterinary clinics in your area. Consider proximity so you could quickly bring your pet in should an emergency arise.

Personally check the veterinary clinic

Before you commit to one clinic, visit each of your choices and ask for a tour of the place. A veterinary clinic should be clean, organized and well-lit. Check out the lab equipment, cages, examination and operating tables, shelves and medical equipment. Ask what types of services are offered and what procedures are available that your pet might need. Watch out for warning signs such as unhygienic practices, dirty floors, windows and cages, old equipment and unprofessional staff. If you want a veterinary clinic that suits your pet the best, it should be a place where you can confidently bring your pets for a checkup and be assured that they will be well taken care of.

Work with a doctor you're comfortable with

Talk to the vet who will be in charge of keeping your pet healthy. It's critical that there is good communication between you and the doctor so you can readily ask questions and air your concerns. Your pet should also be comfortable with the vet. If you like the way he/she treats or handles your pet, the clinic may be the one that suits your pet the best.

Make sure you will be working with professionals

There is nothing worse than having your pet treated by an untrained and unlicensed vet. To ensure your pet's safety, make sure that the doctor/s and other medical staff that will be treating them are licensed and have the proper training and background.

In the U.S. and Canada, many veterinary clinics and hospitals are accredited by the AAHA or American Animal Hospital Association. An accreditation is a good indication that the clinic has met set quality standards of animal care. It's also a good assurance that you and your pet will only be dealing with professionals and thus can expect a high quality of care.

Finding a veterinary clinic is often one of your first concerns as a pet owner. Find out how to know which one suits your pet best.

Basic Overview - The Procedures to Be a Licensed Vet Tech

Veterinary Technicians are responsible in providing direct health care to the animals. They provide their services in animal hospitals, pet shops, pet care clinics, zoos, aquariums, medical research facilities, grooming salons, pharmacies, etc. The wide variety of job opportunities has made this job a popular career. Becoming a licensed vet tech is generally a 2-year process where a person has to pursue an academic degree course in the veterinary school and sit for the Veterinary Technician State Exam. Below is the simple guide for people who do not have any idea on how to take up this career.

Step 1 - Select a recognized veterinary school and enroll yourself to a 2-year associate degree program which is accredited by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Step 2 - Check the entry requirements of a few universities and submit your applications. (Tip: You have higher chance to be accepted by top school if you have good score in biology, chemistry and mathematics during your high school)

Step 3 - Commence your study either through online (distance learning) or offline (study in campus). Attend your lectures and complete the classroom courses and clinical work according to the schedule.

Step 4 - Start your internship by working in a veterinary office or lab which is arranged by your school to develop necessary clinical and surgical skills

Step 5 - Obtain graduation proof and prepare yourself to sit for Veterinary Technician State Exam, the credentialing exam required by your state.

Step 6 - Sit for the exam and get it through. The exam may consist of oral, written and practical test.

Step 7 - Obtain the license to be a qualified veterinary technician

These simplified procedures aims to provide a basic understanding to people. This is to assist them to get hold of the flow of obtaining the qualification of a vet tech. For those who are really keen in joining this special line, it is advisable to obtain the detailed information from the website of AVMA as each state's requirements vary from one to another.

For more information about online veterinary technician programs and veterinary technician requirements visit VeterinaryTechnicianCareer.com.

Local Vet - Finding a Veterinarian

Your local vet is a physician for animals and a practitioner of veterinary medicine. Vets working on clinical settings often practice medicine in a limited field such as pet medicine, production medicine, or livestock medicine. A veterinarian specializing in production medicine is an expert in dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, sheep, poultry, and equine. Veterinarians may also choose to specialize in medical disciplines such as surgery, dermatology, or internal medicine, after postgraduate training and certification. Finding a local vet nearest you is easy with a vet directory.

Some veterinarians pursue postgraduate training, enter research centers, and contribute in advances in many human and veterinary medical fields, which include pharmacology and epidemiology. Moreover, legendary vets were in the forefront in the effort to suppress malaria and yellow fever in the United States. They were the ones who were determined in discovering the identity of the botulism disease-causing agent, produced an anti-coagulant that is used to treat human heart disease, and developed surgical techniques for humans such as hip-joint replacement, limb, and organ transplants.

Like physicians, veterinarians must make serious ethical decisions about their patient's care. There is an on-going debate within the profession over the ethics of declawing cats, docking or cropping of tails and ears, spaying or neutering dogs, debarking dogs, housing of sows in gestation crates, and housing egg-laying poultry hens in cages. Some of them use their skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals and conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems.

Other vets work in basic research, broadening our knowledge of animals, as well as medical science and applied research, developing new ways to use that knowledge. They do not only diagnose animal health problems and vaccinate against diseases, but they also medicate animals suffering from infections or illnesses by treating and dressing animal wounds, setting fractures, performing surgery, and giving advice to owners about animal feeding, behavior, and breeding. They may also work with food animals and/or horses, and usually drive to ranches and farms to provide veterinary services to herds or individual animals.

Veterinarians can also perform caesarian sections on birthing animals. Others care for zoo, aquarium, or laboratory animals. When they treat animals, they use medical equipment such as stethoscopes, surgical instruments, and diagnostic tools, which include radiographic and ultrasound equipment.

Vets who are working in research, use a full range of sophisticated laboratory equipment. In addition to this, some are involved in food safety and inspection. Those who work as livestock inspectors, check animals for transmissible diseases such as E.coli, advise owners on the treatment of their animals, and may quarantine animals. There are those who also examine slaughtering and processing plants, check live animals and carcasses for diseases, and enforce government regulations regarding food purity and sanitation.

More vets are finding opportunities in food security as they ensure that the nation has abundant and safe food supplies. Those involved in food security often work along the country's borders as animal and plant health inspectors, where they examine imports and exports of animal products to prevent disease here and in other foreign countries. Many of these workers are employed by the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Division or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Veterinarians in private or clinical practice often work long hours in a noisy indoor environment. Sometimes they have to even deal with emotional or demanding pet owners. When working with animals that are frightened or in pain, vets even risk being bitten, kicked or scratched.

Find a local vet using our complete local vet directory. Visit www.localvet.com.

A Vet Assistant Training Will Help You to Find Better Jobs

Do you want to know how to become a vet assistant? Becoming a veterinary assistant is a good career option. You can find lots of employment opportunities in this field.

You can become a vet assistant through on-the-job trainings. What you can do is to find a job as an office assistant in a community animal clinic. With this job, you can learn the basics of animal care and eventually assist the vet in the day to day activities of the clinic.

Another option is to volunteer your services in a local animal welfare center. As a volunteer, you will be able to learn the basics of animal health care. If you have direct experience in caring for animals in a formal facility, then it would be easier for you to get a job.

Your career prospects would be better if you take formal training. Most animal health facilities and hospitals prefer to hire a certified vet assistant or technician with formal veterinary training. You can certainly enjoy higher salary and more employment opportunities if you take formal courses.

Getting your veterinary assistant certificate is not difficult. You can choose to take classes online in order to take advantage of distance learning programs. By taking online courses and trainings, you will be able to get a certificate without sacrificing your current job.

So if you want to have a lucrative career as a vet assistant, you must strive to get formal trainings and courses. You should also get hands-on experience so you can easily get a job as a veterinary assistant.

It is very important to choose the best vet assistant training. You can learn more on how to become veterinary assistant and how you can get a veterinary assistant certificate by visiting vet-tech-training.com

Using an Online Service to Find a Local Vet

Animal owners naturally want the best for their pets, and that begins with knowing how to care for them the right way. You may purchase reference books about caring for animals, research online on how to interact with them, or shop for the tastiest pet food ever produced. Nevertheless, it still will not be enough.

Primarily, what every meticulous pet owner needs to do is to find an ace local vet. There are several ways to go about finding vets, but frequently, the best and easiest solution is to use an online veterinarian finder. Accessing veterinarians online by going to a vet directory is quick and simple.

Among the initial steps a pet owner needs to do when they plan to bring a new animal into their home is to conduct a search of local veterinarians. Using an online vet finder can make this a remarkable process, serving as a search engine for locating, and even sorting, local pet clinics for your pet according to your specific location.

By just relying on a tittle-tattle recommendation in your search for a vet, you limit your ability to find the best animal doctor for your pet. Nonetheless, by conducting a vet search online, you gain a more complete periphery of the local veterinarians in your area, and then have the option of cross-referencing any information you receive from a fellow pet owner, local animal clinic, or breeder.

The most significant information provided in a vet search are the types of services the pet clinic provides, what animals they treat, and vital facts about the doctors who will be treating your pet. Keep in mind that it is usually best to find a vet that works frequently with the type of animal you own. This would ensure you that they will be up to date on the most recent health information necessary to your pet's well-being.

Find a local vet using our complete local vet directory. Visit LocalVet.Com today.

The Annual Vet Visit - A Vital Part of Pet Ownership

Most diligent pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure the safety of their beloved pet. Some shower their pets not only with love but with countless material goods. For some people, shopping for Fido is more important than shopping for themselves.

If the pet is injured or sick, these owners are willing to shell out thousands of dollars in order to save its life. But many people wait till serious damage control is in order before they take their animals to the vet. Although it may seem that an animal only needs to visit a vet if it is hurt or sick, nothing can be further from the case.

Dogs and cats should be brought into the vet at least once a year even if they are in the best of health in order to receive an annual check up. These check ups can be the key to avoiding future harm to your pet. They can also help you save great sums of money by catching potential physical problems facing your animals before it gets so bad that serious medical intervention is necessary.

What Happens During a Yearly Check Up

There are a number of routine procedures for the annual check up. There is generally a basic package with additional procedures that can be added on. Check ups involve:

o Health assessment-at this time your vet will perform a routine physical examination to check for any obvious signs of illness. You should bring up any questions or concerns you might have concerning the health of your pet at this time.

o Vaccinations-any vaccines that expire in a year will be given again. Certain vaccinations such as rabies are now often given only every two years. The amount of time between rabies vaccinations does vary between vets, however.

o Parasites-your pet will be checked for any infestation such as flea, tick or worm. The exam for worms in cats requires a very uncomfortable stool sample procedure. Be aware that your cat will be upset, but the procedure is fast and vital to your cat's continued health.

o Nutrition and Behavior-your vet will determine whether or not he or she believes that your animal is under or over-weight or at a normal weight. The vet may then suggest changes in diet or exercise accordingly.

For more information on the annual vet visit, visit the website of Austin Vet Clinics.

Joseph Devine

Small Animal Emergency Vet Services

Pets come in all shapes and sizes. They come from many different species and pack many different surprises as well. No matter what, our pets are our special friends and they bring joy to our lives.

Pets bring happiness, comfort, companionship and joy. However, there are many things which need to be considered when it comes to handling and keeping pets healthy, happy, and well. Some of the considerations are food, shelter, and veterinary care. Then there are the many other pet needs! No matter which pet you choose - dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, birds, etc., proper diet is a big consideration. These animals need good quality food. While they may instantly eat anything you eat, most human food is not suitable for your pets. This is why you should feed only those products specifically developed for your pet.

This same rule goes to the shelter and veterinary care you provide. When you have a pet, it becomes your responsibility as well as your joy. One of the many considerations is the health of your pet. It is very important for you to have a veterinarian. Here are some helpful hints to help you find a good veterinarian for the care of your pet.

1. TRUST - One of the most important factors to consider is that you must completely trust your veterinarian. One good way to find the right vet is to ask your friends and family with pets who they recommend. Often they know a vet who would be just right for you and your animals.

2. LOCATION - Another important factor is that his or her clinic should be near your home, or at least easily accessible for you. It is essential for your vet's clinic to be pet friendly and easy for you and your pet to enter.

3. EMERGENCY SERVICE - Your veterinarian should be there when you need them the most. They should either offer services during emergencies, or have specialists ready to cover. In case of emergencies, it is comforting to know you have the best possible care being provided for your pet.

If you want your pet to have the healthiest and longest lives possible, call Portland Vet Specialists at http://www.murrayhillvethospital.com/. They also offer pet boarding, show standard grooming services, convenient on-line pharmacy, and pet adoption program.

Vet Tech Schools - The Growing Need For Veterinary Technicians

Between 2006 and 2016, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment rate for veterinary technicians will grow as much as 41%, increasing the number of jobs from 71,100 to 100,000 during this 10-year time period. This is considered a great number as it is reflects a growth rate much faster than the average. This information is good news, especially to motivated individuals who are seriously considering a career as veterinary technologists or vet techs. Excellent job opportunities await prospective veterinary technologists as the demand for this occupation is least likely to be affected by the recent global economic recession. Animals, whether domesticated or not, are in need of continuous medical care in spite of the economic slump.

The demand for vet techs is directly attributed to the rapid advancement in veterinary medicine. Pet owners and animal caretakers expect nothing but the best veterinary care using the most advanced and sophisticated techniques. This is evident by the huge amount of money spent by Americans on their pets. In 2007, it is estimated that $41.2 billion was spent on animal care and management with 24.5%, or $10.1 billion, allocated solely to veterinary care. It is believed that the cost of pet ownership is expected to increase in the coming years.

In response to the growing need for veterinary technologists, the number of vet tech schools offering degree programs has increased over the past few years. In April of 2008, 14 vet tech programs have applied for accreditation by the AVMA. In the first quarter of 2009, there are 154 vet tech programs accredited by the AVMA in the United States. Around 18 vet tech schools offer 4-year baccalaureate degrees. Recently, the number of AVMA-accredited distance learning veterinary technician programs has increased to 9.

For every vet tech graduate, it is estimated that six to eight jobs are available. In addition to the strong demand for vet techs, a career in this field can be a rewarding experience with wide-ranging opportunities. Veterinary technology is an occupation with an increasing number of specialized areas. Most vet techs work in clinic or hospital settings. They can choose to specialize in one type of clinical procedure, such as anesthesia and surgery, dentistry, diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests and animal training. For those who want to work and get involved in animal welfare, employment in animal shelters can be fulfilling. Veterinary technologists could also work in research facilities and assist in the implementation of various biomedical research and clinical courses. Some can work as herd health and livestock managers in ranches and farms; others might want to work in zoo or wildlife medicine that mainly deals with exotic and non-domesticated animals. Veterinary technologists can also find a satisfying career in teaching, military service, industrial animal health, diagnostic laboratory, and veterinary pharmaceutical sales. In May 2007, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics gave a mean wage estimate for veterinary technologists of $27,970.

Choosing and building a career around veterinary technology should not be entirely based on the occupation's promise and stability as challenges and risks are involved, as well. One should consider their genuine interest in encouraging and protecting animals' health and welfare.

To learn more about vet tech schools and veterinary technician programs visit http://www.vettechprograms.net.

Visiting a Cat Clinic

A cat's medical needs also depend on its life stage. Like people, they need occasional check-ups and regular trips to the cat clinic. The young cat and the old cat need to be taken cared of more. Vaccinations and emergency situations bring your pet to the cat clinic but what you really need to know is how often you should visit a veterinarian.

Most often, kittens go to the cat clinic for an initial check up and the subsequent visits are to get vaccinated. They may also be needed to be de-wormed by the vet. Some of the vaccinations that the vet may recommend are for feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis and feline calcivirus. A vaccine against rabies will also be needed by your kitten once it reaches about four months of age.

Upon reaching adulthood or one year of age, your cat needs to go back to the vet for booster shots of the core vaccines and the rabies vaccine. During this time, another fecal examination will be done as well as an overall physical examination. After every three years, booster shots for vaccines are recommended to be administered to your cat. If you want to be more careful, a once a year booster vaccination may also be put into practice. General visits to the cat clinic for fecal analysis and physical examination may be done twice a year for healthy cats and more often for cats with illnesses or certain conditions.

Once a cat reaches eight years of age, they are considered seniors or old. The general check-ups and booster vaccinations should not stop since they are more prone to illnesses. Your cat clinic should be able to remind you of schedules for general examinations twice or thrice a year. Diseases that come with the aging process in cats include arthritis and diabetes, both of which cannot be cured but can be managed. During time when your cat starts to feel pain or discomfort, your vet will be able to give you advice and medicine to make your cat's life more comfortable despite the conditions.

Bringing your cat to a cat clinic may be easy for some but other pets need some time to get used to. Prepare your cat for travel by providing a carrier. Kittens may be held in your arms but it is still recommended that they are placed in proper carriers or cages. Talk them up for the trip. A soothing voice and gentle caresses will assure your pet that things are going to be okay. Do not forget to bring treats and water when you go for a trip to the cat clinic. Your pet may feel anxious and get stressed. Water can help them relax and adapt to the place.

Make sure that when you get to the cat clinic, you keep your cat calm as to reassure that it is safe. If possible, always make an appointment with the same doctor every time you visit a clinic.

Find out more about cat vomiting and also learn more about cat neutering by visiting our website today!

A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Technician Working in a Clinic

The veterinary clinic is the one place that most people associate a veterinary technician working in. This position is one of many vet tech jobs that many of the credentialed veterinary technicians have to choose from and is the most popular one. The vet technician training does not always teach the student how to handle stressful situations. This can cause a problem for a new vet tech when they weren't expecting to have to handle these types of situations during the course of their work day. When the first time there is a day that doesn't go quite right, this individual may be surprised. This veterinary tech working in a clinic environment will perform many duties during the course of a day and not every day will go as scheduled.

When the morning started off very calm and everything went as scheduled and then, in the afternoon, it suddenly becomes quite bizarre with one emergency after another, the stress began. The first incident began the afternoon at the front desk when everyone wanted to be checked in or out at the same time, the next in an exam room where the animal was very scared and crying and screaming at the same time, and the next in the surgery room when the animal was bleeding profusely and efforts to stop it weren't working. This can make for a highly stressful day and at the end of it the new vet tech can't wait to leave.

Then, at 5:00 PM, a pet owner comes running in holding their very sick little dog. So, this day will be not only stressful, but extra long. This may make the vet tech wonder if the veterinary tech salary is worth the stress. During this day, the vet tech has given injections, taken x-rays, assisted at the front desk by answering the phone and scheduling appointments and checking patients in and out of the clinic, stitched up large gashes on a cat that was attached by a wild coyote, restrained an animal that was very afraid of the large veterinarian when he came in the room to exam him, and worked overtime to calm down an emotional pet owner and take care of her sick pet. After a calm morning, and a stressful and long afternoon, the day ended on a good note when the vet tech was able use the knowledge he learned at the vet technician school to diagnose and treat the last patient of the day and send the pet home with the emotional pet owner calmed down and very appreciative. This is what makes the vet tech realize why they went into this profession, for the care they can give to the animals that come into the clinic and for the gratification it can bring back to them.

Otto Ingrid is very passionate about animals. He is determined to provide everyone with loads of information about veterinarians, animal hospitals and this industry. If you'd like to find out more about this topic, please visit vet tech salary or vet tech salary and find out everything you want to know.

Veterinary Schools - An Option to Avail If You Want to Become a Vet

Veterinary schools are meant to dress with the required knowledge and training all those who want to be in this field. Veterinary science and medicine is basically related with the diagnosis and treatment of the sick, injured and infectious animals. The number of those students is increasing on very high rates who are opting for veterinary field as the field of their careers. It is supposed to be the answer to the skills and aptitude of those students who tend to have a liking for the animals, an urge to know and to treat their different diseases and infections.

The best place where these students can get the best possible education and knowledge to initiate a successful career in this field are veterinary schools..these schools are being found all over the world in order to fulfill the demand of specialization needed in the respective field. Education at different levels is being provided in these veterinary schools.

Training, education and knowledge are three important things that are necessary to know in any field where you want to excel or want to adopt as career. Veterinary schools specifically provide education and training regarding animal care and the cure of their diseases and the respective surgical methods. Courses along with degree programs are being offered at these schools. It is up to the aptitude of the student, what he or she wants. It is recommended to go for a short span of veterinary course before initiating a degree program in this field as it will provide the student with the basic concepts and learning reading veterinary medicine.

There are different professions that can be opted after having finished and acquired the required education and training from these veterinary schools. You can become a veterinarian, a vet technologist, a veterinary pathologist, neurologist, surgeon etc. it is up to the student what does he want to opt for and then carry on acquiring education in the related field from the veterinary schools. It is very important t get the specialized education if you want to be a veterinary doctor. How to cure animals for the respective disease, how to conduct different surgeries, how to establish their immunizations and how to diagnose their different illnesses,; all the related knowledge and training can be gained at the veterinary schools.

As a student who wants to join this career should not worry at all as how to proceed further in this profession. You can take the online help and there you can do the research as to know about the reputed veterinary schools which you can join to learn the related knowledge and to get the required training.

LEO'S PET CARE is a full-service veterinary medical facilities like vet clinic and animal hospital Indianapolis. LEO'S PET CARE seeks to provide the best possible medical care for their patients.

Finding a Vet - Choosing the Right Caregiver For Your Pet

Proper health care for your cat or dog is important. Consequently, choosing the right veterinarian is no small matter. Like other doctors, all vets are not alike and neither are animal clinics. Doing a little "legwork" before your pet needs medical attention can make a great deal of difference when the need arises.

Just to be clear, this is not about good or bad veterinarians. Vets are health care professionals and as such have invested a considerable amount of time and money to establish and maintain their practices. This requires the kind of dedication that comes from the desire to help. Simply put, vets do what they do because they love animals and have the best interests of their patients in mind. This is about finding the doctor or clinic that best suits your needs and those of your pet or pets.

Research: See who is available.

So, where do you start when it's time to find a doctor for Fido or Fluffy? At the risk of stating the obvious, the first step is to find the vets or clinics in your area. Start with the 2 most popular resources: the Yellow Pages and the internet. This will give you a list of possibilities along with phone numbers and addresses. The odds are good that many listings or websites will also provide more information, such as the specialties of a particular vet, the clinic where he or she practices, etc. So, after this simple step, you should have a wealth of data at your fingertips. That was easy, wasn't it?

Networking: Get some opinions.

Now it's time to see what you can find out about those vets and/or clinics. Start by asking around. Your friends and family are a great resource. If you've just moved to a new neighborhood, ask your neighbors if they can recommend someone. A possible bonus to this approach, of course, is the opportunity to meet your new neighbors and their pets.

Now, for those of you thinking, "Why not just call the closest clinic and make an appointment?", that would certainly be one approach. On the other hand, there's nothing quite like a "word of mouth" endorsement. A little networking may also bring other points to light, like pricing. Unless your pet needs to be seen right away, it's probably worth a little bit of your time to check around before picking up the phone.

Direct Contact: Check it out for yourself.

Once you've gathered any information you can, you're ready to start making those calls. If one particular vet or clinic is well recommended, it makes sense to make that one first on your call list. Don't just jump right into making an appointment, however. Talk with the vet or a staff member about any special needs your pet has, the specialties of the doctor or doctors, emergency services and any other concerns you may have. Don't be embarrassed to ask about fees for checkups, shots or any other services. Your pet's health is your primary concern, but it's important to know how hard your pocketbook is going to be hit.

If things sound promising, ask when you might be able tour the facility and meet the staff. While this may sound unusual, it is actually quite common and most animal clinics will be happy to oblige. This will give you an opportunity to determine your comfort level with the caregivers and the environment. While each pet owner will have some concerns of their own, here are a few items you way want to check:


Cleanliness Comfort for your pet:
Is there a convenient area outside for your pet to relieve him/herself? Is the waiting area large enough to keep pets separated?
Services and Equipment available on-site:
Emergency/trauma services X-rays Endoscopy Ultrasound EKG Lab work (blood, etc.) Surgery Dental procedures Boarding (Check for comfort and safety.) Grooming
Staff: Courteous and knowledgeable? Parking/Loading Hours and availability:
Evenings? Weekends? After hours: Is a doctor on call for emergencies?
If possible (and if you won't be charged for an initial visit), take your pet along for the tour. If your dog or cat is comfortable with the surroundings and staff, you're probably on the right track.

Last, but not least, remember that a little courtesy on your part will go a long way. Don't be rude or impatient; you're dealing with a medical facility and staff and their chief priority should be the health and welfare of the patients they're seeing. This also applies after you've chosen a veterinarian or animal clinic. Try to keep your appointments and arrive a few minutes early. If you need to reschedule, do so as early as possible. Handle payment and billing issues promptly. Control your pet when you're in the clinic. Keep in mind that these people are the second most important in your pet's life.

Doc Crandell has worked closely with animal care professionals since childhood. He now writes pet-related content for Remmeer.com, a retailer of quality gifts and accessories for pets and pet lovers. Visit their online store for unique items like dog costumes and clothing and cat lover's fashion accessories.

3 Tips For Finding Low Cost Vets in Your Town

With the rising cost of vet bills, finding an affordable vet makes sense. But sometimes it can be hard to know where to look. Here are three tips to help you find a low cost vet in your area.

One of the best places to look for an affordable vet is through the local humane society. They are very likely already working with a veterinarian that works at a reduced rate.

If they are not, they can likely point you in the direction that you need to go, or give you some additional resources.

The second way to find one is just to call around and ask what their prices are. If you call around to three veterinary clinics and ask what the average price of a spay is, then you can get a general idea of prices.

One potential downfall of this approach is that sometimes vet clinics charge a reduced rate for spays to get new clients, but overall their prices can be more expensive.

The third way to find one is by driving. Veterinarians set their prices by what the average income is of households in a 3 to 5 mile radius around the clinic.

Often times just by driving to an area of town where the level of household incomes is lower, you can find a vet that charges less.

Also remember to ask your current vet if you can get a break on prices. Sometimes they will give you one if they know you are a good client that pays right away.

Use these three tips the next time need to find a low cost vet in your town.

To learn more about this go to: Negotiating With The Vet For A Lower Bill

Also visit my blog: Help With Vet Bills

Does Your Vet Have Chihuahua Allergies?

Just because a vet has a dog for a patient doesn't necessarily mean they know everything about Chihuahua care. Before you get a Chihuahua, make sure your vet knows about Chihuahua care. How do you choose a vet for your Chihuahua? Hopefully, you will have a choice of vets in your area, but any vet is better than none! Pick one that is close to you, but also professes to know about Chihuahua care, including care of Chihuahua allergies.

Because of the Chihuahua's extremely cute little button nose, they don't have the air passages that most dogs with longer noses have. They are, therefore, far more prone to breathing disorders and to making extremely strange noises not common in most other breeds of dog. Any allergen like dust, pollen, cigarette smoke or even perfume can act as triggers to Chihuahua allergies and cause these alarming, but usually not life-threatening, breathing problems.

One place Chihuahuas get extremely agitated at is the vet's office. If your vet has never treated small blunt-nosed dogs like Chihuahuas before, the vet might misdiagnose a problem. How to choose a vet for your Chihuahua? First, ask if they often treat Chihuahuas. Vets are so busy that it does not pay for them to lie in order to get more business they can't attend to properly. If they are not familiar with Chihuahuas, they will refer you to a vet that is.

Be sure you know who your vet is and how to get to the office before you bring home your Chihuahua. In many places in the world, emergency vets operate 24 hours a day, but are more expensive than a regular vet or a vet clinic in a large pet store. It is good to know where both your regular vet and your emergency vet are before any emergency arises. Keep their phone numbers by the phone or displayed in a prominent place so you don't have to waste time hunting through the phone book in case of emergency.

There is no known treatment for Chihuahua allergies that trigger asthma like wheezing, whoops, snuffling or honking. Even elimination of the allergen is not a guarantee that theses alarming episodes will stop completely. These bizarre noises are apparently the muscles of the pharynx going into spasms. They tend to ease off when the dog is calm and escalate when the dog is upset.

Smokers better not own a Chihuahua, because cigarette smoke often triggers attacks. Be careful with strong perfumes, incense, potpourris or scented candles. When a Chihuahua goes into an attack, it will look a lot worse than it is. This condition is not life threatening. Calm your Chihuahua by petting, distracting with a toy, not getting upset yourself, and don't yell. It is always good to check with a Chihuahua knowledgeable vet to be sure there isn't any other obstruction in the nose or throat when you first spot these attacks, or if they worsen.

As a dog lover the Sandra Dean has spent time studying the history of dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a diverse breed suitable for certain types of households. As a bold breed, the Chihuahua is highly protective and loyal of their owners. Knowing Chihuahua information can help you determine if it is a breed right for you.

How to Choose a Good Avian Vet

We've all been there, done that. Made an appointment with a vet that claims to see birds, only to find out that the only bird they 'see' on a regular basis is the one that eats from the feeder outside their office window. How do you find a good vet in your area? Take the following questionnaire and see if it can't help you in your search.

1). Is the vet you are considering listed in the AAV -Association of Avian Veterinarians?

2). Is this vet recommended by any local clubs or rescue organizations? (1 point)

3). Go visit the clinic. Is it clean? Does the staff seem friendly and knowledgeable? Are there bird magazines or other tell-tale paraphernalia in the waiting area? (2 points)

4). Call other local vets and ask for a referral to a 'bird' vet. What names do you get? Do any of them suggest the prospect? (1 point)

5). Does the vet you are considering own a pet bird? (yes, 1 point) Do they breed birds? (if yes, add an additional point)

6). How many years has the potential vet been treating exotics?

1-3 years (1 point)

3-6 years (2 points)

6+ years (3 points)

Suggested Evaluation:

14 points or more: Is that the choir I hear singing? Book an appointment!

10-13 points: Probably a decent bird vet.

6-9 points: Worth a try, if this is one of the few in your area.

Less then 6 points: Is this the only vet you can find? Yikes! Be very careful.

Now that you've found a vet you want to try, lets go over some basics for the first visit.

The First Visit:

1) Are there any other birds waiting? Can you hear any other birds in the back?

2) Are there appropriate bird related items in the exam room? For example, towel, gram scale, perches, etc.

3) How does the vet handle your bird? Is he/she confident, and gentle? Pay close attention to how your bird reacts around the vet- their intuitive feelings are oftentimes better then ours. Does the vet talk to the bird? Does the vet ask the bird to step up instead of just grabbing it?

4) Be sure to ask questions! If the vet gets annoyed with your desire to understand as much as possible, be aware. Most vets automatically explain the process of what is happening (eg, "Now I am going to towel Pickles and palpate the breastbone"). Are your questions answered carefully and thoroughly?

5) Is the vet explicit about home care, and what to do with the bird once back at home. Does he/she provide any information about the best possible home setup for a sick bird, and offer any additional advice? If the vet is recommending measures such as handfeeding, giving medication, or other measures, can they explain the proper protocol for carrying out their instructions? Are they willing to show you how to best restrain your bird and give them oral medications?

6) If possible, consider paying the first bill with a credit card. That way, if anything is to go wrong, you'll have someone 'on your side' with leverage- you can dispute the charges and the vet won't get paid until or unless the card company is satisfied. The vet is more likely to try and satisfy you if they have not yet received payment.

Finding a good avian vet can be a long and often frustrating process. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek recommendations, and interview any prospects before actually bringing your animal into the clinic. Once you find that gem of a vet, you'll want to keep them for years to come!

If you read this article and found it helpful, consider stopping by my website http://www.BirdToys.com

You can also find me and over 22,500+ other parrot owners at http://www.BirdBoard.com where you can ask questions and get immediate feedback.

Choosing The Right Vet

When it comes to choosing a vet, it's worthwhile doing a thorough check before committing your time, money, and your dog's health into anybody's hands - no matter how highly recommended they come. All vets have the requisite degrees and credentials, but it's how they interact with you and your dog that really makes the difference. Shop around and make an appointment with several vets: this is an effective way to benchmark your eventual clinic of choice's standards of healthcare and client service.

Where to Start Looking

Ask around. Word of mouth is the best way to find a healthcare practitioner, and vets are no exception to this. Speak to your friends who have dogs; if you see any especially well-cared for dogs out and about (particularly of your dog's breed), ask the owner which vet they go to.

Another goldmine of useful information is the breeder or shelter that you got your dog from - presuming that all their animals are well-cared for, this is another excellent way to find a good vet.

One more option is to question the trainer who handles dog obedience or puppy school in your area; they can generally recommend a quality clinic as well.

Considerations to Make

Obviously, there are some specific things you'd want to weigh up when deciding which vet to go with. Listed below are some of the more important aspects of veterinary care to consider:

- Location. You need to weigh up convenience against quality: it's great to have your vet within easy distance of your house, but you don't want to sacrifice good animal care for the sake of extra driving time. On the other hand, emergency care is important too - time can make the difference between life and death in emergencies, and you don't want to be driving for an hour just to reach the clinic. Try to find a balance between quality care and ease of access.

- What kind of office hours does the vet keep? It's going to be a real drag if you have to take time off from work to take your dog in for a routine checkup.

- What's your impression of the office, the waiting room, and the examination room? All should be clean, well-kept, warm and dry. There should be sufficient space in the waiting room for you and your dog to sit comfortably while you wait for your appointment. The examination room is important: cleanliness is obviously paramount, but look at the details, too. Is all the equipment put away safely? If your dog starts thrashing around or leaps off the table, there shouldn't be anything left out of place that he can hurt himself on. The table should be wiped down after every use; all surfaces should be resistant to water and dirt; and so on.

What are the staff like? Do they set you and your dog at ease? Do they answer questions willingly and with a smile?

- How does the vet interact with your dog? Obviously, some dogs are going to be upset at the vet's no matter what happens, but you can tell from a quick observation whether that vet has compassion for animals. Does the vet offer other services, like boarding, grooming, and training?

- Ask about emergency and after-hours services. Is there such a service at this clinic? If not, they should recommend one to you.

- Money is an important consideration as well. Does the clinic accept major credit cards? What about if your dog needs an unforeseen operation or expensive treatment - are payment plans an option?

Making the Decision

This is a pretty big decision. Your dog is totally reliant on you for his healthcare; you're his spokesperson for the eventual decision, too. He can't speak up and ask all the questions that are most relevant to him, like you can when choosing your own doctor; so don't be afraid to speak up! Choose wisely, and you and your dog should enjoy many years yet together.

Colin Pederson is the webmaster of http://dogobedienceadvice.com, the site dedicated to informing all dog owners about correct training techniques to encourage and build a healthy relationship with your dog. Take advantage of his experience and knowledge of dogs in dealing with your dog's aggression, chewing, barking, digging and other behavioral and training problems.

How to Choose a Good Veterinary Clinic?

Choosing a good veterinary clinic is no different than choosing the right doctor for your personal health. However there are fewer clinics around than doctors so careful consideration must be given in order to ensure that pets get the quality pet care they deserve. If you are a pet owner looking for a good veterinary clinic, try the following tips. They will help you find a veterinarian that both you and your pet would be comfortable with.

Gather Veterinary Clinic References - The First Step

This is a very common practice by pet owners and is usually the best place to start. If you are a pet owner, it is very likely that you know other pet owners such as family members, friends or neighbors. Start off by asking for references from them about pet clinics. If you are new to the area and don't know anyone, a good place would be visit the local pets mart. They will able to provide you with good references as well as local listings of pet care clinics in your area.

Gather Information about the Veterinary Clinic - Part of the Process

Gathering references is just one aspect of information gathering. A good pet clinic should have an active website up and running. It should list details of all the services they provide along with all the required information about the staff and more importantly, the veterinarians, their education and their qualification. More than likely the website will feature visual pictures of the clinic as well as their equipment, all of which is valuable information.

Pay a Visit to the Pet Clinic - See It for Yourself

References help, but nothing gives more satisfaction than personally visiting the clinics. This serves as a good opportunity for pet owners to visually inspect the facility, interact with the staff and meet the veterinarians face to face. They would be able to gain valuable insight on the types of services they offer as well the facilities they have available for pets at their clinic.

Meet the Veterinarians - A Must

The main reason to visit a veterinary clinic is to get a first hand impression of the vets. The vet has to be qualified and experienced in pet care. They should be established and should have sufficient number of years of practice under their belt. Pet owners aren't the only ones that need to feel comfortable with the vets. Pets have a significant say in this as well. This is where a vet's experience and handling of pets comes in to play. If the pet is comfortable with them, then pet owners are more than likely to trust them with their lives.

Veterinary clinics for pets are not in the same abundance as health clinics for individuals. This does not necessarily mean that they are hard to find. The good ones however do require some research on behalf of the pet owner. By following the above mentioned tips, pet owners could be sure that they their pet is in safe and able hands.

Pet care Carrollton

Is Vet Tech an Ideal Career?

Veterinary technician is also called veterinary nurse. This profession is very unique in promoting animals' health and welfare. The vet techs are responsible to provide necessary treatment and assistance to the animals. It is a challenging job where it requires high level of animal interaction and good clinical skills. However, is this profession an ideal career?

In fact, this profession has a great employment trend as it has a very high demand in the employment market. There are a wide variety of job opportunities in this service industry, such as in the veterinary hospitals and clinics, zoos, pet shops, grooming salons, animal shelters, biomedical research centers, livestock management companies, veterinary pharmacies, etc. At the same time, it generates lucrative income which provides a comfortable lifestyle to the vet tech. Furthermore, it is also a stepping stone for many veterinary nurses to climb further to become a licensed veterinarian.

Being veterinary technicians, it is always great for them to gain self satisfaction from their work as they are carrying an important social responsibility. Most of the time, they get involved in rescuing animals' life and providing proper treatment for animals. Besides assisting the animals to obtain better health care, they also make their contribution to the environment.

However, this can be an unpleasant job. Some people may hate working in the vet hospitals and animal shelters. Most of the time, they have to clean the cages, kennels, stables and exam rooms. Besides, they have to collect the animals' urine and blood to perform various medical tests. This working environment is definitely not as comfortable as in the office. Furthermore, this profession exposes the vet tech to certain health risks. They may be bitten or injured by the animals and they have to always expose themselves to certain chemicals during their researches.

To some of the vet nurses, they are always depressed when they provide treatment to those seriously sick, abused and badly injured animals. They have to face the death of the animals very frequently. These types of situation make them feel upset and moody. Moreover, they are very stressful especially when there are many emergency cases need to be settled. It is also tiring when they need to work in long hours to provide intensive care.

To sum up, it depends very much on your personal view to conclude whether vet tech is an ideal career or not. If you have a lot of passion in animals, it is a definite answer that this job has great fun.

For more information about veterinary technician career and veterinary technician schools, visit VeterinaryTechnicianCareer.com.