Building a relationship with your veterinarian

Once you become a horse owner, it's essential to have a trusted veterinarian to care for your horse. It's wise to schedule a health exam soon after acquiring your horse to ensure its overall well-being. During the exam, your veterinarian should conduct a lameness check, as well as examine your horse's teeth to determine if any dental work is needed. Additionally, vaccinations should be up-to-date, and Coggins testing should be done if applicable. Your veterinarian will also determine your horse's age, which may vary depending on their education and the horse's teeth. It's crucial to consult with your veterinarian on your horse's nutrition and feeding plan to ensure its optimal health. Consult with your veterinarian about a deworming plan for your horse as well. Finally, it's important to thank your veterinarian for their expertise, and make sure to pay your veterinarian bill promptly. By prioritizing your horse's health and working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure your horse's long-term well-being.

It's important to plan ahead for your horse's yearly vet visit. Schedule the visit with your veterinarian well in advance. During the visit, your veterinarian will conduct a health exam on your horse. Have your horse's teeth done for a dental every year as well. You should also make sure that your horse's vaccinations and Coggins (if applicable) are up-to-date.

By scheduling the visit a year in advance, you can financially plan for the expense and ensure that your horse's well-being is always a top priority. This yearly check-up is crucial to maintaining your horse's health and preventing any potential issues from becoming serious problems. 

Establishing a strong rapport with your veterinarian is of utmost importance for horse owners. This is because in case of an emergency, a veterinarian is more likely to make time for you if you are already an existing client in good standing. By being proactive and building a relationship with your vet, you can ensure that you will receive prompt medical attention when your horse needs it the most.

It's important to listen to your veterinarian's advice and not argue with them. If you're not happy with their advice, it's okay to get a second opinion, but don't shop around for a vet who will tell you what you want to hear. It's also essential to be honest about your ability to pay for your horse's medical care. For example, colic surgery can be very expensive, so if you can't afford it, it's best to let your vet know ahead of time. You can ask them for a general idea of how much a procedure might cost to see if it's within your budget. Remember, choosing humane euthanasia aka Last act of Kindness for your horse is not a failure, but rather a responsible decision that shows you're doing what's best for your animal. On the other hand, being an irresponsible horse owner means letting your horse end up in the slaughter pipeline when it starts having problems instead of working with your vet to make the right decision for your horse and your financial situation.

In addition to emergency situations, building a relationship with your vet can also help you to better understand your horse's health and wellness needs. Regular check-ups and consultations with your vet can help you to stay up-to-date on the latest health trends and preventative care measures that can help keep your horse in top condition. By working together with your veterinarian, you can provide your horse with the best possible care and support its overall wellbeing.

Don't wait until it's too late - take the necessary steps to ensure that your horse is healthy and happy. Plan ahead for their yearly vet visit and rest easy knowing that you've taken the necessary steps to keep your horse in good shape.