Doubting My Vet Decisions

[Guest krisandzoo]

I switched my vet around a year ago because I moved far from my old one. I happen to have the "inside" word from people who work there. From what I am gathering getting general care is fine but I shouldn't think about dentals etc from this vet. This vet is always very willing to chat about any conerns I have and never seems rushed. He's been willing to look at kidney values for my yorkie when she wasn't the patient and I had questions about getting her dental done with him. I really like him for my everyday vet care.

Last year I dropped about $4k on my yorkie for kidney diesase. Since my vet fund was more than diminished I took my dogs to a shot clinic to save $ where I could. This worked out really well...I got all of their shots, heartworm tests, 6 months of heartworm and 1 dog microchipped for under $200.

 

Here's my debate. I now have 6 dogs and would love to continue saving $ on shots and heartworm. I still feel I need a trusted vet for yearly exams so someone "knows" my dogs incase of odd behavior. I also want a vet that is comfortable with dentals. I brush my dogs' teeth but we all know what bad teeth greys can get. Should I find a new vet for my yearly exams? I could take my dogs to my trusted vet that is far away for something like a dental assuming he would accept my new dogs and is not too booked.

 

What does everyone with many dogs do to save money but still get them all the care they need and deserve?

 

 

[TheFullHouse]

We are very lucky, our vet gives us a good discount because of the number of dogs we have.

[Guest vahoundlover]

We suck it up as far as vet expenses....except we use Ivermectin for heartworm and buy Frontline Plus from deadfleaz.

 

I wish we'd get a discount from our vet But the service and care we receive is well worth the money we spend.

[MP_the4pack]

I use specialists. I have VPI insurance which helps a lot. But my everyday vets know I want specialist to look at my babies. Yes, it's expensive. But, heck, I didn't need to go on vacation anytime soon.

 

 

[greyhoundgang]

With the internet, there is a wealth of information, and places with competitive pricing.

 

Information about Vaccinations, and How they are not needed, except in the beginning of a dog's life.

Vaccinations - Click on Vaccinations to read info provided on Greyhound Gang's site under Learn/Medical.

 

Giving turkey necks once a week to your hounds, will stave off dentals in most cases. You can learn about that in the Gang's booklet - Happy, Healthy Hounds. You can also join NaturallyGrey at yahoogroups. They raw feed their hounds.

 

Most vets understand the need, especially when you have multiple dogs, to get the best deals, while still preserving the quality. Most vets will write scripts for you to purchase medications on-line, or will try to match the prices, if you ask.

 

 

[zimsmom]

I've Zim 4 years. She is so healthy that I just started bringing her to Banfield for yearly shots & heartworm testing. Patch came to me last year so I brought her to my usual vet. But if she stays healthy too I will just go back to Banfield for her annual shots. It's just so much cheaper. My regular vet was going to charge $1000 for a dental; I brought her yesterday to a vet that my adoption group uses & paid $250. As long as you know your dogs history I think it's fine to use different places.

[Guest krisandzoo]

Definately some food for thought. Thanks I think I will stick with my vet for yearly exams (it's a Banfield as well) and put them on a wellness plan if bloodwork is needed. That is what gets so darn expensive. If needed it IS worth it. If I need a dental I will go to my uber expensive but well trusted vet. I still think saving $ on vaccinations is worth it.

This brings me to my final question. Is there anywhere online that doesn't require a prescription for heartworm? I know they SHOULD. Bentley came with his negative test when I got him and was on heartworm. I got 6 months worth of the good stuff but don't want to test him more than needed.

As far as cutting back on the vaccinations I wouldn't rule it out based on what I've read. The only thing is I am a dog trainer and take my dogs to work with me. I kennel my JR and whippet mix and my yorkie goes to the groomer. So basically everyone goes somewhere where I need them to have proof of vaccinations to be "allowed".

[inugrey]

In terms of the prescription for the heart worm in order to get the next six months, why don't you talk to your vet. Show him/her the negative test results and the date and I bet s/he would be fine with authorizing another six months without a second test. I don't know this but give it a shot.

 

Oh and just want to comment that I love my vet too but he knows I go to the local shelter for their rabies clinic because of price and he's totally fine with it. Anywhere you can save a little cash is worth it.