All Pages Tagged 'vet' - Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective2024-03-28T16:34:48Zhttp://www.doodlerescuecollective.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=vet&feed=yes&xn_auth=noVeterinary Bills Financial Assistance Infotag:www.doodlerescuecollective.com,2012-01-01:2747693:Topic:1632572012-01-01T01:23:25.296ZLM Fowler - Adminhttp://www.doodlerescuecollective.com/profile/LynneNJ
<div class="description"><div class="xg_user_generated"><h1><span><strong><span class="font-size-2">I ran across this article online today in American Dog magazine and thought I would pass it along. With the state of our economy no one is immune to hardship and "downsizing" it seems. You never know when you will find youself in a tough financial spot and need vet care for your beloved Dog. For some people I am sure insurance isn't always an option either. If you know of other resources…</span></strong></span></h1>
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<div class="description"><div class="xg_user_generated"><h1><span><strong><span class="font-size-2">I ran across this article online today in American Dog magazine and thought I would pass it along. With the state of our economy no one is immune to hardship and "downsizing" it seems. You never know when you will find youself in a tough financial spot and need vet care for your beloved Dog. For some people I am sure insurance isn't always an option either. If you know of other resources please add them to the comments... </span></strong></span></h1>
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<h1>Resources: Veterinary Bills Financial Assistance</h1>
<p>Do you Need Help with Veterinary Bills to Save your Pet's Life? <br/> <br/> Here is a list of organizations that provide financial assistance.<br/> Visit their Web site to see if you qualify and meet their criteria. <br/></p>
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<tbody><tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>American Animal Hospital Assoc.</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.aahahelpingpets.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Angels for Animals</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.angels4animals.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.angels4animals.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Brown Dog Foundation</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.browndogfoundation.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.browndogfoundation.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Canine Cancer Awareness</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.caninecancerawareness.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.caninecancerawareness.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Care Credit</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.carecredit.com/" target="_new"><strong>www.carecredit.com</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Cats In Crisis</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.catsincrisis.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.catsincrisis.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Cody's Club (radiation treatments)</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.codysclub.bravehost.com/" target="_new"><strong>www.codysclub.bravehost.com</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Diabetic Pets Fund</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.petdiabetes.net/fund/" target="_new"><strong>www.petdiabetes.net/fund/</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Extend Credit</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.extendcredit.com/petcare-credit.html" target="_new"><strong>www.extendcredit.com</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Feline Outreach</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.felineoutreach.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.felineoutreach.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><strong>Feline Vet Emergency Asst. Program</strong></span></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.fveap.org/" target="_new"><span><strong>www.fveap.org</strong></span></a></span></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>God's Creatures Veterinary Charity</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.allcreatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html" target="_new"><strong>www.allcreatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><strong>Good Sam Fund</strong></span></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.goodsamfund.org/" target="_new"><span><strong>www.goodsamfund.org</strong></span></a></span></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Help-A-Pet</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.help-a-pet.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.help-a- pet.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><strong>Land of Pure Gold Foundation</strong></span></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.landofpuregold.com/" target="_new"><span><strong>www.landofpuregold.com</strong></span></a></span></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>In Memory of Magic</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.imom.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.IMOM.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><strong>New York Save</strong></span></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.nysave.org/" target="_new"><span><strong>www.nysave.org</strong></span></a></span></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Pigger's Pals</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.piggerspals.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.piggerspals.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><strong>Shakespeare Animal Fund</strong></span></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.shakespeareanimalfund.org/" target="_new"><span><strong>www.shakespeareanimalfund.org</strong></span></a></span></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>The Binky Foundation</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.binkyfoundation.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.binkyfoundation.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><strong>The Magic Bullet Fund (cancer)</strong></span></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.themagicbulletfund.org/" target="_new"><span><strong>www.themagicbulletfund.org</strong></span></a></span></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>The Mosby Foundation</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.themosbyfoundation.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.themosbyfoundation.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><strong>The Perseus Foundation (cancer)</strong></span></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.perseusfoundation.org/" target="_new"><span><strong>www.PerseusFoundation.org</strong></span></a></span></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>The Pet Fund</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.thepetfund.com/" target="_new"><strong>www.thepetfund.com</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><strong>United Animal Nations LifeLine Fund</strong></span></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#fff" valign="top" align="left"><span><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.uan.org/" target="_new"><span><strong>www.uan.org</strong></span></a></span></td>
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<p><br/> <br/> Many local humane societies offer low cost veterinary services and breed rescue groups may be able to offer assistance with medical bills. You can also check with national animal welfare organizations for additional information.</p>
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<tbody><tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Alley Cat Allies</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.alleycat.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.alleycat.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>American Humane Association</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.americanhumane.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.americanhumane.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>American Society Prevention Cruelty to Animals</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.aspca.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.aspca.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Best Friends Animal Society</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.bestfriends.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.bestfriends.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Humane Society of the United States</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.hsus.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.hsus.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Petco Foundation</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.petcofoundation.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.petcofoundation.org</strong></a></td>
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<tr><td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><strong>Petsmart Charities</strong></td>
<td class="textdirectory" bgcolor="#D1DEFF" valign="top" align="left"><a rel="nofollow" class="intext" href="http://www.petsmartcharities.org/" target="_new"><strong>www.petsmartcharities.org</strong></a></td>
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<p>Posted by Denise & Hunter</p>
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<p class="small" id="tagsList"></p> WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN?tag:www.doodlerescuecollective.com,2010-08-19:2747693:Topic:771532010-08-19T02:13:28.107ZLM Fowler - Adminhttp://www.doodlerescuecollective.com/profile/LynneNJ
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<tr><td class="maintext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: left; line-height: 19px;"><p class="titles"><span class="subtitles">Information courtesy of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (<a href="http://www.njvma.org/" target="_blank">njvma.org</a>)</span></p>
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<p class="bodycopy">Your pet isn’t acting quite right but you’re not sure what’s wrong. Should you call your veterinarian or wait a few days? The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association offers the following tips to help you know when your pet needs to be seen by a doctor.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">1. IS YOUR PET LETHARGIC?</span> <br/>This is perhaps the most important signal to phone your veterinarian. If your dog or cat is not responsive to calls for play or favorite treats and seems weak or unable to stand, you should not delay.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">2. IS YOUR PET IN PAIN?</span> <br/>Pain, indicated by crying, panting and restless pacing, should not be ignored. Pain can also be indicated by a reluctance to move around.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">3. IS YOUR PET LAME?</span> <br/>Limping that persists more than a few hours warrants a call to the veterinarian. Paralysis, usually indicated by your pet unable to stand or dragging a leg with or without pain, needs emergency care.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">4. IS YOUR PET LOSING BLOOD?</span> <br/>Bleeding from the mouth, nose or rectum demands immediate attention, as does a painful eye held closed.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">5. IS YOUR PET UNABLE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM?</span> <br/>Male cats seen straining in the litter box may have a dangerous urinary tract blockage. Dogs seen straining or having urinary or bowel movement more often than usual should be reported.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">6. IS YOUR PET HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING?</span> <br/>Steady labored breathing is a sign of serious trouble. Call your veterinarian immediately. Constant coughing or gagging also needs to be checked. 7. Is your pet having seizures? Seizures are a serious neurologic condition that must be monitored. Call your veterinarian immediately. Signs of a seizure include shaking, lying on the floor and paddling the legs, loss of awareness of surroundings, possible loss of bladder and bowel control, excessive salivation, and a clamped jaw.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">8. IS YOU PET SUFFERING FROM EXCESSIVE VOMITING OR DIARRHEA?</span> <br/>These symptoms could indicate anything from a simple stomach upset to serious disease. Call your veterinarian immediately. Even if your pet is not seriously ill, ignoring these symptoms could lead to dehydration.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">9. IS YOUR PET UNCONSCIOUS OR DIFFICULT TO AWAKEN?</span> <br/>Dazed behavior can occur with fever, metabolic disease, ingestion of medications meant for people, changes in blood sugar levels, or diseases of the brain. It’s important to have your pet examined that day.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">10. IS YOUR PET REFUSING TO EAT OR DRINK?</span> <br/>Your pet should not go more than a day without drinking. If your dog or cat won’t eat their usual meal but will hungrily scarf down treats or table food, this may mean a problem exists. Call your veterinarian if food is vomited more than once in a day, the normal appetite does not return in two to three days, or if your pet acts well but refuses to eat for more than 24 hours.</p>
<p class="bodycopy">Sometimes your pet may not act very ill but problems persist for more than a day or two. Coughing frequently, vomiting or diarrhea more than twice or limping and walking gingerly all merit a call to the veterinarian.</p>
<p class="bodycopy"><span class="subhead" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(65, 138, 147); font-style: normal;">THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS:</span> If you are worried about your animal’s health, call your veterinarian. They are there to help you with your pet’s care and can identify potential problems specific to your dog or cat. It is better to report a minor problem and not let it escalate to an emergency.</p>
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</table> Choosing A Veterinarian For Your Dogtag:www.doodlerescuecollective.com,2010-07-21:2747693:Topic:693412010-07-21T00:08:13.480ZLM Fowler - Adminhttp://www.doodlerescuecollective.com/profile/LynneNJ
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">There are times that our best friend might need to see a doctor at some point in their short lives. …</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">There are times that our best friend might need to see a doctor at some point in their short lives. </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br/></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Dogs, like humans, have a body full of functioning organs, <a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/m.php?id=17" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">joints</a>, bones, ligaments, muscles, and on and on the list goes. Moreover, dogs, unlike humans, <a href="http://ilovedogs.com/askatrainerquestion.php" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">jump</a> from couch to couch daily, leap onto their owners without remorse, <a href="http://ilovedogs.com/nutrition.php" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">scarf</a> down dish towels, toy cars, pens, chew toys & any human food they can get their <a href="http://findavet.us/blog/2009/08/pooch-paw-care/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">paws</a> on. Dogs will dart out into traffic with the delusional belief that they are <a href="http://www.tj.la/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Super Fido</a>. They’ll try to prove to a <a href="http://ilovedogs.com/b.php?id=198" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Rottweiler</a> that they’re the boss even if they’re a teeny tiny <a href="http://ilovedogs.com/b.php?id=35" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Chihuahua</a>. Do you get where this is going? Dogs certainly live in the moment & sometimes that can work against their best interests. The opportunities for bodily injury to your dog are countless.<span id="more-1286"></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;">In other instances, the <a href="http://ilovedogs.com/medical.php" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">illness</a> is unavoidable and a natural result of the progression of life. Dogs have shorter life spans than humans and reach a <a href="http://findavet.us/blog/2009/10/age-affects-dog-brains/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">senior age</a> long before their owners do. With aging, an entire host of new ailments arise, such as <a href="http://ilovedogs.com/m.php?id=11" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">arthritis</a>,<a href="http://findavet.us/blog/2009/10/dogs-can-get-breast-cancer-too/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">cancer</a>, <a href="http://ilovedogs.com/m.php?id=10" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">hip dysplasia</a>, <a href="http://ilovedogs.com/m.php?id=24" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">kidney</a> and heart failure, and the list goes on and on.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;">Man’s best friend is very <a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/blog/?p=4210" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">resilient</a>, but their humans should still help them stay healthy along the way. One essential step pet parents can take for their pup’s best health is choosing their pet’s <a href="http://findavet.us/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">veterinarian</a>.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><strong>WHEN to Choose a Veterinarian</strong></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;">“But Fido’s not sick!” you might exclaim. Well, who says choosing a <a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/askavetquestion.php" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">veterinarian</a>should only enter a pet parent’s radar when Fido’s already sick as a dog?</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;">The American Veterinary Medical Association (<a href="http://www.avma.org/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">AVMA</a>) advises all pet parents to choose a veterinarian long before their pets are in dire straits. They even suggest pinning the right vet down before bringing your new family member home.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;">“In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, work schedule, and home life,” says the AVMA.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><br/></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Like humans, having a permanent and consistent relationship with one specific doctor will help your dog’s overall health in the long run. A vet that knows your dog’s medical history will know how best to diagnose him.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">“The veterinarian you select will maintain an ongoing history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, illnesses, surgical procedures, behavior traits, etc. He or she will also advise you on the best preventive care program to maintain your pet’s health,” says the AVMA.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong>WHERE to Look For A Veterinarian</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Once you’ve made the decision to choose the right veterinarian, there are many ways to go about choosing the best one for your dog. First and foremost, it’s important to consider what you personally would want from your dog’s veterinarian.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Are you looking for a friendly, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ilovedogsinc" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">dog-loving</a>, get down on all fours for <a href="http://www.tj.la/2009/09/16/doggie-dating-the-art-of-booty-sniffing/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">doggie kisses</a>type of veterinarian, or would you much rather have a no-nonsense, get right to the facts veterinarian that gets you in and out of the clinic lickity-split? Are you looking for a <a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/v.php?id=99" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">holistic</a> veterinarian that would consider alternative therapies before using routine treatment? Would you like a veterinarian with a particular specialty? A veterinarian that will coddle your <a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/b.php?id=75" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Pit Bull</a> like he would a <a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/b.php?id=25" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Pomeranian</a>?</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><a href="http://www.healthyanimalsjournal.com/about.html" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">The Healthy Animal’s Journal</a> says, “There are veterinarians who make house calls, have a one-person practice, have large staffs and lots of state-of-the-art equipment, offer some holistic care, offer only holistic care, offer only one type of medicine or see only one type of animal.” The possibilities are boundless.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Sit down & make your own list of everything your heart desires out of your pooch’s veterinarian. The Humane Society of the United States (<a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(184, 91, 90);">HSUS</a>) suggests that you then talk to other pet parents that have a similar approach to pet care as you do. Consider striking up a conversation with dog lovers at the <a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/blog/?p=3453" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">dog park</a>, jumping on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/findavet" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Twitter</a> and searching out the pet health experts & asking the dog lady across the street where she takes her pooch.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">The AVMA and HSUS also suggest asking breed clubs, shelter workers, <a href="http://ilovedogs.com/askatrainerquestion.php" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">dog trainers</a>, groomers, pet sitters & dog walkers. The resources are infinite & many veterinarians have extensive web sites with information at a pet parent’s fingertips.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong>HOW TO Choose A Veterinarian</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Once you’ve built your list of prospective veterinarians, both the AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association (<a href="http://www.aahanet.org/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">AAHA</a>) suggest scheduling an appointment to meet the veterinarian & to tour the facilities. Feel free to visit as many of the veterinarians on your list as you deem necessary.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Once there, AAHA says to “Use your eyes & nose to detect cleanliness.” As you tour the facilities you’ll get a sense of the environment & will most likely quickly determine if it’s the right place for your pooch.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">The AVMA has compiled the following list of questions to have in your pocket when considering each veterinarian:</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1288" title="bullet_paw_print-135" src="http://findavet.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bullet_paw_print-135.jpg" alt="bullet_paw_print-135" width="15" height="14" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; max-width: 100%; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline;"/> Office Hours:</strong> What are the regular office hours? Are they compatible with your schedule? Will they accept e-mails or appointments electronically (if that is your preferred scheduling method)? Who covers the practice when the doctor is unavailable? Do they have after hours’ emergency coverage or do they refer emergencies to a local emergency clinic?</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">The HSUS also says to consider if appointments are required or if you can walk in if necessary.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1289" title="bullet_paw_print-136" src="http://findavet.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bullet_paw_print-136.jpg" alt="bullet_paw_print-136" width="15" height="14" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; max-width: 100%; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline;"/> Professional Staff:</strong> How are telephone calls handled? Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian? Does the staff dress and act professionally? Do you feel comfortable talking with the doctor? The technician? How well do the staff and doctors interact with your pet?</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">AAHA says, “The veterinarian should be able to communicate with you & make you feel comfortable asking questions. Even if the doctor is highly qualified, if you don’t hit it off, you may need to go elsewhere.”</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">The HSUS suggests asking yourself, “Is the staff caring, calm, competent and courteous & do they communicate effectively?” Also, consider asking how many veterinarians are in the practice.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1290" title="bullet_paw_print-137" src="http://findavet.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bullet_paw_print-137.jpg" alt="bullet_paw_print-137" width="15" height="14" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; max-width: 100%; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline;"/> Fees and Payment:</strong> What methods of payment are accepted? Does the hospital accept <a href="http://findavet.us/blog/category/insurance/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">pet insurance</a> policies? Which ones does it accept?</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1291" title="bullet_paw_print-138" src="http://findavet.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bullet_paw_print-138.jpg" alt="bullet_paw_print-138" width="15" height="14" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; max-width: 100%; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline;"/> Services:</strong> What is the range of medical services that the practice provides? Does the hospital have educational materials for pet owners on a variety of topics?</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">The HSUS also suggests finding out if x-rays, ultrasound, <a href="http://findavet.us/blog/2009/11/how-to-read-your-dog%e2%80%99s-blood-work/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">blood work</a>, EKG, endoscopy & other diagnostics are done in-house or referred to a specialist.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1292" title="bullet_paw_print-139" src="http://findavet.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bullet_paw_print-139.jpg" alt="bullet_paw_print-139" width="15" height="14" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; max-width: 100%; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline;"/> Emergency Care:</strong> How are emergency calls handled during regular office hours & after office hours? Is there an emergency facility in your area should you need it?</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1293" title="bullet_paw_print-140" src="http://findavet.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bullet_paw_print-140.jpg" alt="bullet_paw_print-140" width="15" height="14" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; max-width: 100%; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline;"/> Facility:</strong> Is the building environment clean & orderly? Are there any unpleasant odors? Can you take a tour of the non-public areas?</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1294" title="bullet_paw_print-141" src="http://findavet.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bullet_paw_print-141.jpg" alt="bullet_paw_print-141" width="15" height="14" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; max-width: 100%; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline;"/> Professional Affiliations:</strong> Are the doctors members of a professional veterinary association such as the AVMA or a state or local veterinary association? Also consider if they’re AAHA accredited. The HSUS suggests that if you are looking for a specialist, also look into board certification. What is the hospital policy regarding continuing education for the professional staff?</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">AAHA mentions on their website that “Approximately 12 percent of the small animal veterinary hospitals in the United States & Canada are accredited AAHA members.”</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Ultimately, make sure that your new <a href="http://www.findavet.us/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">veterinarian</a> fits your budgetary needs while still meeting your expectations. You might also consider asking if they have any discounts for senior citizens or for multi-pet households, as suggested by the HSUS. </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br/></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><strong>Looking for a Holistic Veterinarian?</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">“Holistic medicine takes the perspective of treating the whole animal… [Holistic veterinarians'] goal is to make the animal healthier for life, not just to get rid of the current symptom. They will educate you & explain what they see when physically examining your animal,” says The Healthy Animal’s Journal.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Holistic veterinarians will look at an animal’s<a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/u.php?id=13" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">diet</a>, suggest certain <a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/u.php?id=11" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">vitamins and supplements</a> for their needs, & might suggest alternative therapies such as <a href="http://www.reikifurbabies.com/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">reiki</a> or acupuncture.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">If you are looking for a holistic veterinarian, your first stop should be with the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (<a href="http://www.ahvma.org/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">AHVMA</a>).</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">As you begin your search & select your pet’s veterinarian, it’s important to remember that veterinarians are human just like everyone else. There is no perfect veterinarian, but there certainly can be a veterinarian that’s perfect for your <a href="http://www.ilovedogs.com/blog" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">dog</a>.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">The Healthy Animal’s Journal says, “Your animal should at least be comfortable with your choice, you should be able to get your questions & concerns addressed & the health of your animal should be moving in a positive direction in all ways.”</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Keep in mind that the relationship you build with your veterinarian goes both ways. Be a good client and establish a mutual respect with your veterinarian. Observe their policies & try to be flexible as well. Both your dog & veterinarian will love you for it!</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br/></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 1.05em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Check out <a href="http://findavet.us/">http://findavet.us/</a> for information on finding a vet near you.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1800626309?profile=original" alt=""/></span></p>
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