first vet visit Sat! (well for me anyway)

[dcchick]

We get to formally adopt our rescue on Sunday and I was able to get a vet appt on Sat just to give her a quick check up just to make sure she is all ok. We would like to use this vet for her regularly and though it would be better to see her in a nonemergency or illness situation for the first time.

She is all up to date on shots and is spayed and chipped, she has some mange in her paws that is being treated.

this is my first dog so I have never set foot into a vet's office before...what should I expect during the visit? When I called and explained the situation, they seemed to get what I was saying, so I am guessing this is not out of the ordinary. I am thinking of it like a back to school physical of sorts. HA!

and how often do you take a dog to a vet? just went something is wrong or what?

[Bully*4]

1x per year for shots/general physical + anytime there is a problem that requires more care than you can provide at home.

[DwightsMom]

We only take Dwight when his shots are due, or something doesn't seem right, like a skin infection and I can't treat it at home.

I'm not so sure you NEED to take Wrigley if she's up-to-date on her shots, spayed, chipped, and being treated for mange. Is this is something that the rescue organization requires? If not, then I would save the money (because in DC you probably won't get out of there for less than $75) and buy her a nice "adoption day" gift!

[Maggpie]

I think that by going to the vet on Saturday you should look at it as a job interview, you being the employer.  See if you are comfortable with the vet.  If you feel the vet has the best interest at heart and not just doing his/her job.  See how they interact with your bullie, see if they have experience with the bullie breed.  If they do ask them for referrals and follow up on the referrals.

Also, what medicine is your bullie on for the mange?  Have the vet check her hips and knees (if they have bullie experience) Other than that, I can't think of anything.  I personally have gone to 3 or 4 vets up here in Wisconsin and have not found one I am comfortable with, so I drive to a Chicago suburb and take Maggie to her original vet for check ups.  Since Maggie is going to be 7 in November, I take her every 6 months for a check up.  They do a blood test to check her out and an overall wellness check up too.  That runs me around $80.00 ($40 for the wellness check up and $40 for the blood test) 

Good luck and let us know how you like the vet.

[Niccirf]

Like Ms. Maggie, our crew goes to the vet every 6 months for comprehensive exams/shots as needed. It's just part of our plan so I figure why not take advantage of it. We also obviously go "as need" should something arise... I absolutely agree that you should feel the vet out to make sure he/she is a good fit for you. Good Luck