So Oscar's first vet visit is this Friday. I'm a little nervous because he is still quite afraid of new people, especially men. I'm sure they've seen it all before but I hope he doesn't growl at them! I would love to know what sort of questions I should be asking? I dont know much of his history (he's 3) other than the fact he was found malnourished on the streets. He appears healthy although I am a bit concerned about his teeth as he often paws at his mouth as if itching the area? Any advice would be great!
First vet visit?
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sounds like he may be in pain pawing at his teeth , he may need some removed and others cleaned , first thing i ask my vet with a new chi is to check their heart and their knees 
, maybe also have a chat about good dental regime you can keep up at home
, maybe also have a chat about good dental regime you can keep up at home Thanks for the suggestions! I will defInitely speak to the vet about those things. I really hope his teeth are ok and I will be glad to start a better dental hygiene program. I've just got some pre prepared raw food for my little guy so hopefully that will start to make a difference as well.
Will the vet clip Oscars toenails for me? I'd do it as I'm pretty much the only one who can handle him like that but in not sure exactly what to do and don't want to hurt him. Also the vet quoted 75.00 for a regular check up, is that about average? What does that include?
Thanks!
Thanks!
$75 for a routine well check seems very excessive to me. Where do you live? In south Florida (Miami area), I paid somewhere between $30-45. Some areas are more expensive. It also depends on the vet.
Edit: you are in Canada, so I don't know how much my vets prices compare. Hopefully some of our Canadian members can chime in.
The vet will usually cut their nails, although they may charge you. It may be less expensive to take him to a Petsmart or Petco or the like depending on what the vet charges. Usually the vet techs that cut their nails will teach you how to do it. If he is difficult and/or struggles a lot, they may want to muzzle him. That will protect both the person cutting his nails and Oscar. Personally, I don't cut them myself because I am scared of cutting the quick- but many people do.
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Edit: you are in Canada, so I don't know how much my vets prices compare. Hopefully some of our Canadian members can chime in.
The vet will usually cut their nails, although they may charge you. It may be less expensive to take him to a Petsmart or Petco or the like depending on what the vet charges. Usually the vet techs that cut their nails will teach you how to do it. If he is difficult and/or struggles a lot, they may want to muzzle him. That will protect both the person cutting his nails and Oscar. Personally, I don't cut them myself because I am scared of cutting the quick- but many people do.
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I'm sure he would clip them for you. As for price, I'm not sure what the conversion is, but when I bring my 2 in for their yearly check, and shots, its around $100 total. But cost is different everywhere. Good luck, I hope everything checks out with him and he is healthy.
I live in British Columbia, Canada. I researched the vets in my city and this one had fantastic reviews! They also have a dental specialist within the practice which might be needed as I don't think Oscar had ever had any dental care before coming to me.
If you feel comfortable paying that price, then I say go for it. But just remember that the most expensive is not always the best. And you can use their dental specialist without using them for routine care.
I can't wait to hear what the vet says about your boy. He seems like a sweetie
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I can't wait to hear what the vet says about your boy. He seems like a sweetie
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I live in BC, and I can't recall what I've paid for just a check up, but that seems high. Although, you don't know what's included so who knows. I'm sure the vet will give him a really good once over. Since you don't know his history, it might not be a bad idea to have some blood work done since you'll be there anyway. He might need to get some teeth yanked if he's been neglected, and it's a good idea to have blood work done before surgery anyway.
If you plan on cutting his nails yourself in the future, just get the vet or vet tech to show you how to properly do it and then you'll be more confident when the time comes. I know a few people who only take their dogs to the vet for nail trimming. It's great to have "positive visits" at the vets anyway, since usually when we take our little buddies there they're going through something painful or stressful. Odie had a really bad experience at the vets once when they had to make her throw up, so I made sure that I took her back often over the next few months just to sniff around and get treats and loving from all the staff. If he doesn't react positively at first, just take him for some visits where he can visit the waiting rooms, maybe go up on the examination table without anything actually being done to him.
The great thing is that if you don't like the vet or feel that they've overcharged you, you can go to a different one next time. Hope everything goes well at the visit!
If you plan on cutting his nails yourself in the future, just get the vet or vet tech to show you how to properly do it and then you'll be more confident when the time comes. I know a few people who only take their dogs to the vet for nail trimming. It's great to have "positive visits" at the vets anyway, since usually when we take our little buddies there they're going through something painful or stressful. Odie had a really bad experience at the vets once when they had to make her throw up, so I made sure that I took her back often over the next few months just to sniff around and get treats and loving from all the staff. If he doesn't react positively at first, just take him for some visits where he can visit the waiting rooms, maybe go up on the examination table without anything actually being done to him.
The great thing is that if you don't like the vet or feel that they've overcharged you, you can go to a different one next time. Hope everything goes well at the visit!
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