Your Dog Deserves the Best: Choosing the Right Vet and Knowing When to Switch

Dec 7

Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA

As a dog owner, choosing the right veterinarian for your dog is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Dogs can't directly communicate their pain or discomfort, making it essential to have a vet who not only possesses expertise, but also aligns with your dog's unique needs.

Oakley, my beloved Border Collie, is living proof of how important it is to trust your instincts when it comes to your dog’s health. For months, I noticed subtle signs that something wasn’t right. Her once-fluid gait seemed slightly off. She had started having increasing fearful reactions to thunderstorms. Then there was the on and off dog reactivity, something that hadn’t been an issue before. These changes weren’t glaringly obvious, but they were enough to set off alarm bells in my gut.

When I brought these concerns to my vet at the time, they were dismissed as behavioral quirks or lack of training. The phrase "She looks fine to me" echoed in my mind long after we left the clinic. I felt deflated, but also began to second guess my ability to tell when something was medically off with my dogs. But still something told me this wasn’t normal for Oakley. That gut feeling became impossible to ignore when her wonky gait turned into a visible struggle to sit squarely or lie down comfortably.

So, I sought a second opinion. I contacted a vet tech friend for help and I made an appointment with a vet who was known for being thorough and open-minded. This wasn’t an easy decision; after all, my primary vet had been part of Oakley’s care for years. But my priority was Oakley’s well-being and I knew I owed it to her to dig deeper.

The second vet took my concerns seriously and conducted a full examination, including diagnostic imaging that very day. The result? Oakley was diagnosed with discospondylitis, a painful infection in the spinal discs that had been silently causing her discomfort for months, potentially years. It was a bittersweet moment: relief that we finally had answers, paired with frustration that those months of untreated pain could have been avoided. Oakley’s journey taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes, the person who knows your dog best is you.

Trust Your Intuition

If you’re noticing changes in your dog that seem off, even if they’re subtle, don’t be afraid to push for answers. Dogs, like Oakley, often mask their discomfort, and their signs of pain can be easily overlooked or misinterpreted. As Oakley’s case taught me, persistence can make all the difference in your dog’s quality of life.

Seeking a second opinion isn’t about undermining your current vet. It’s about advocating for your dog when something doesn’t feel right. Oakley’s diagnosis not only brought her much-needed relief, but also reinforced the importance of finding professionals who listen, dig deeper, and approach your concerns with empathy and curiosity.

Trust your instincts. You’re your dog’s voice, and sometimes, that voice needs to speak up louder than ever.

Choosing the Right Veterinarian Matters

Your veterinarian is your partner in safeguarding your dog’s health, particularly in detecting early signs of injury or illness. Many subtle injuries or health issues can progress over months or years before they become evident. Having a skilled and observant vet can prevent small problems from escalating into serious health concerns.

Key Traits of an Ideal Veterinarian:

Collaborative Approach: A vet who listens to your concerns and considers your observations.
Diagnostic Skills: Expertise in identifying subtle signs of discomfort, such as gait abnormalities or behavioral changes.
Open to Discussion: Willingness to discuss diagnostic tools like radiographs, ultrasounds, or advanced imaging when necessary.
Experience with Sports and Working Dogs (if relevant): If your dog participates in activities like sports, service dog/therapy dog work, farming or more, seek a vet familiar with the physical demands of such activities.

Steps to Select the Right Veterinarian

Oakley’s journey to diagnosis taught me that finding the right veterinarian isn’t just about convenience. It’s about finding someone who listens, observes, and partners with you in your dog’s care. We drive quite a distance to see Oakley’s main veternarian now because I know I can trust his opinion and the drive will be worth the extra time to ease my concerns. Here’s how you can take proactive steps to ensure your vet is the right fit for both you and your dog:

Begin with a Routine Visit

Start with a general health check-up to get a feel for the veterinarian’s approach. Pay attention to how they interact with your dog. Are they gentle, patient, and attentive? Do they take the time to ask thoughtful questions about your dog’s health and behavior? During Oakley’s initial visits, her symptoms were subtle and easy to overlook. A vet who is thorough in their examinations and curious about even minor concerns can make all the difference when something isn’t immediately obvious. Some vets will even allow appointments without your pet, so you can have a meet-and-greet, even before you bring your dog in.

Do Your Homework

Seek out recommendations from trusted sources like local trainers, behavior consultants, or fellow dog owners who understand your values as a pet parent. Online pet owner groups or local social media forums can also provide honest reviews about vets in your area, however they should be taken with a grain of salt. Many pet owners value low cost over thorough investigation of potential medical concerns. Vets are not trying to “run up your bill”, they are trying to help your dog and treat once they have an appropriate diagnosis. These insights helped me find a veterinarian who was open to exploring Oakley’s unexplained behaviors and willing to take my concerns seriously.

Bring a Complete Picture

When you visit a vet, come prepared. Provide a detailed history of your dog’s health, behavior, and activities. Videos of your dog’s movement can be particularly revealing and are invaluable when trying to identify subtle signs of discomfort. For Oakley, these clips were important for illustrating her changes in posture and gait. These were clues that might not have been apparent during a single in-clinic evaluation.

Evaluate Their Expertise

Not all vets are equally experienced with certain breeds, activities, or medical conditions. If your dog has specific needs, ask targeted questions about their familiarity with such cases. The second vet I consulted had a deeper understanding of orthopedic and neurological conditions, which ultimately led to Oakley’s diagnosis and treatment plan.

Selecting the right veterinarian isn’t just about finding someone who can treat illness; it’s about building a relationship with a professional who values your observations as much as their own expertise. A good vet will treat you as a partner in your dog’s health journey, working with you to uncover answers when something feels off. For dogs like Oakley, that kind of partnership can be life-changing.

When to Seek a Second Opinion

Even with the best vet, there may come a time when you may need to consider a second opinion. Here are some scenarios where this might be necessary:

1. Persistent Issues Without Resolution

If your dog’s symptoms persist despite treatment or you feel the problem hasn't been fully addressed, it might be time for a fresh perspective. For example, chronic limping or behavioral changes that don’t improve could indicate an undiagnosed injury or condition. Symptoms that have been there for months are unlikely to disappear if you “wait and see.”

2. Discomfort with the Diagnosis

general diagnoses like “soft tissue injury” or “front limb lameness” generally don’t tell the full story or give enough detail for targeted treatment. If your vet isn’t able or willing to narrow down the specific cause, seeking a specialist may provide the clarity you need.

3. Unwilling To Work As Team

If your vet is unwilling to discuss your case with trainers, behaviorists, Dynamic Dog Practitioners, or speciality vets, consulting another veterinarian may provide a unified approach. This is especially important in complex cases, where it is important for all professionals working on your dog’s case be aware of each other and the plans/activities in which are being implemented.

4. Lack of Communication or Collaboration

If your current vet dismisses your concerns or doesn’t seem interested in collaborating, it’s worth seeking out someone who values your input. After all, you know your dog best.

Photo shows a Labrador Retriever sitting on a bridge.

Your dog depends on you to be their voice and champion. Selecting the right veterinarian and knowing when to seek a second opinion are vital steps in safeguarding their health and happiness. Whether you’re addressing a subtle change or tackling a complex condition, remember that the right care team can transform uncertainties into opportunities for better well-being and a stronger bond.

If you’re facing a medical or behavioral challenge with your dog, consider a Behavior Guidance Call with Dynamic Dog Assessment as part of your strategy. This comprehensive approach helps uncover subtle signs of behavior and movement changes, offering valuable insights for both you and your vet. Together, we can pave the way for the best possible care and a brighter future for your dog.