Remember that your veterinarian is a human being too and is not tireless
or infallible. Here are a few simple courtesies and considerations that
are important to keep in mind:
-
If you make an appointment, try to be on time. If something should arise,
call and let the veterinarian know that you are going to be late.
-
Do not "drop in" with your pet without an appointment unless it is an absolute
emergency. If you have a pet that is sick, call your vet to discuss the
problem and see if they think it best to see them right away.
-
Avoid dropping your pet off for care unless you have made a prior arrangement.
It is usually better if you are present to discuss the problem as the examination
is being performed.
-
Do not disturb your veterinarian for a nonemergency matter on their time
off. If you have any doubt about the nature of an illness, it is okay to
call but do not call about routine care after hours or on weekends.
-
Your veterinarian can't be expected to make a diagnosis over the telephone.
Do not expect them to be your drugstore, dispensing medications on demand.
Your veterinarian will want to examine your pet and may require some laboratory
tests before making a final diagnosis or prescribing any drugs.
-
Do not let signs of illness persist for days without consulting your veterinarian.
It is extremely frustrating for them, painful for you and cruel to your
pet to let it die from an illness when it could have been saved if treatment
had only been started earlier.
-
Once you have consulted your veterinarian, follow their directions. Do
exactly what they have told you to do and administer medications as prescribed.
-
Always be prepared to pay your bill. If there is a problem and you cannot
pay it all at once, discuss a payment plan beforehand and arrange it with
your veterinarian. They have a business to run and bills to pay just like
you do. If you work out a payment plan, and most veterinarians are more
than happy to work out payments for a reasonable amount of time, make your
payments promptly just as you would to anyone else.
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