If you still trust the vets medical advice I would stay there, its hard finding a new vet.(well is for me) but if you are in any doubt at all then start looking for a new one.
Yes They are trying to sell you stuff, its a vet nurses job to generate passive income for the clinic, so they are just doing their job. Doesnt mean you have to listen to them though I know when I am trying to sell people stuff in clinic I get irksome when someone picks up a bag of food, as I really cant promote it well cos I think its crap.
Also the price for that dental is horrendous! I would get an itemized quote an look through it if you ever decided to have the procedure done.

 

If you still trust the vets medical advice I would stay there, its hard finding a new vet.(well is for me)
Yes They are trying to sell you stuff, its a vet nurses job to generate passive income for the clinic, so they are just doing their job. Doesnt mean you have to listen to them though I know when I am trying to sell people stuff in clinic I get irksome when someone picks up a bag of food, as I really cant promote it well cos I think its crap.
Also the price for that dental is horrendous! I would get an itemized quote an look through it if you ever decided to have the procedure done.

It's the actual vets themself trying to sell me the stuff, not the nurses. Which concerns me even more.

The thing is, back 3 years ago when i first started taking my westie to this vet they were different vets working there....for the first year with those original vets they never tried selling me anything.

Now for the past 2 years there are new vets who always do this to me....

My girlfriend thinks we should just go around n look for more vets to get more opinions. But im afraid we'll just bump into the same crap over and over, trying to be sold stuff.

When my westie got her teeth cleaned once at 2 years old the vet said "lucky I didn't have to pull any teeth out!" and it shocked me....because her teeth are ****ing fine....I got really angry at his comment...the fact he would have taken a tooth out...at age 2...WHEN HER TEETH ARE ****ING FINE....without telling me...just so he can add +$$$ to the bill?

I am actually afraid to have her operated on at this vet now....incase they try doing something unnecessary just for the sake of profit....

 

In a word... yes. You won't be able to tell whats a real health concern and whats fabricated for her benefit. I hate being hustled I probably wouldnt stand for it.

 

Dental health is extremely important and I encourage regular dental procedures, But where I am from that is still expensive for a routine dental. It would be about 320 for a dental on a small dog and that is with a pre-anaesthetic blood panel. Prices vary obviously but I would think at that price it would be with extractions. We always go over with the owner if they think any teeth in particular might need pulling and if one does need pulling a nurse will call and ask during the procedure if they want it pulled and how much extra it will cost. If we dont get an answer, we just do the scale and polish.
The vet trying to sell you stuff you say? If it happens every visit then Id start looking for a new one. But thats just what I think. Entirely up to you.

 

Mate - ever hear the comment " and do you want fries with that". I would be concerned that the vet is trying so hard to sell you stuff you probably dont need. It probably because, if they are new, they need to boost cash flow until the customer base settles down.

Maybe it is time to check out another practice if their sales tactics are annoying you. The alternative is just to tell them, thanks but I don't want fries with my vet consult.

 

I think the question itself, "Is my vet trying to scam me?", is reason enough to consider a new vet. You need total confidence in your vet...not for the easy decisions...but for the hard ones.

 

OP, it sounds like your vet may have discovered your dog has patellar Luxation, it's common in all dog breeds especaially if the pup is poorly bred (from a BYB, puppy mill/pet store) or was desexed too young, if it's mild (and it sounds like it is) it will cause arthritis when the dog gets older, if it's severe it can cripple a dog pretty early. It can also predispose a dog to tearing the tendon/ligament tears, due to the joint being formed incorrectly so try to minimize jumping and high impact excercise.

That said, if you don't trust your vet, find a new one. Having a vet you can depend on and trust is important.

 

I would find another vet, and tell them your concern about unnecessary services and items. Here a dental is around $60, I couldn't imagine paying that much for a teeth cleaning!!!!

 

You must live in a really reasonable area. Even with my fairly generous employee discount, my dogs' dentals come to more than that when anesthesia is figured in

 

Had a dental done on my little maltese, Hercules at 3yr. He had one adult tooth extracted it was deformed. His sister Squeak is older and I was checking her teeth thinking that she would need a dental soon (she is 5 and I am going to have her teeth cleaned this year.) Never dreamed Herc would need it first. Small breed dogs are prone to dental issues. It is not so much the tartar build up that your vet is looking at it is the gingivitisis:http://houndstoothpetdental.com/stages.html Most people are reactive instead of proactive. The cost of the dental that you were quoted sounds high. However depending on the dental techs experience level it may be worth it. The tech who did my dogs teeth has 30years of experience. She nerve blocks and sutures for extractions. (An inexperienced tech can break a dog's jaw doing extractions.)
Gives pain injections prior to surgery. She also sends home pain meds and antibiotics. Not every vet practice does this so you need to ask questions.
As always if you do not feel comfortable with this vet find one that you are comfortable with however do not let cost be your main concern as sometimes you get what you pay for.

 

If you don't feed raw, small dogs need dentals more often: they have the same number of teeth in a very small mouth, as a larger dog. Some breeds seem to be worse than others (yorkies, for example). My vet also tried to sell me the dental diet made by Royal Canin for my poodle. I politely declined - twice! After that, I started making appointments with one of the other vets in the practice who isn't so pushy. I'd rather brush my dogs' teeth and get dentals every couple of years. Your vet is charging more than $100 more for a dental than mine, but your cost of living is probably much higher there than here, but $100 more?? I pay around $300, and that includes a full blood panel beforehand.

If your dog has "clicky" joints, I'd definitely put him on a joint supplement, but you don't need to get it at the vet's office. My poodle, Potsie, age 4, has grade 4 luxating patellas (the worst grade, usually requiring surgery - sounds like what your westie might be developing - common in small breeds like poodles and westies), but I give him Cosequinn DS Plus MSM, along with a fish oil capsule daily, and he doesn't show signs of lameness yet (look for back leg skipping when running). My vet was amazed at his last checkup and asked if I was giving him anything. When I told her what I was doing, she said to keep doing it, to prevent the lameness from setting in earlier than it inevitably will (she's right in that regard). She said she has a client with grade 2 luxating patellas that isn't doing anything preventative, and the dog is quite lame. Keeping your dog at a slim weight is also critical to helping the joints from becoming sore any earlier than necessary. Potsie is supposed to be kept at 12.5 lb., which I watch carefully, adjusting the amount of his food accordingly.

 

Whether it's a Vet or a car salesman and all the others in between I don't like fear factors tossed in to make a sale. A Vet in my opinion should have mind on fixing the dog's immediate problems in front of him/her.

The what-if problems that might occur 8 yrs now the road is idiotic to say the least. I have seen many good Vets through the years and can separate the greedy from the competent Vets.

 

I'm with you.

You must live in a really reasonable area. Even with my fairly generous employee discount, my dogs' dentals come to more than that when anesthesia is figured in

Dentals here start at $400 according to a couple of vets.

I brush my dogs teeth and I have two small dogs who are seven who have yet to need a dental. One accumulated plaque easily and we have to keep on top of that. When that one was five I had a vet pushing me for a dental to the point of rudeness (using unfounded scare tactics is rude IMHO) and I told him off. My dog had had an injury and therefore had some food on his teeth from the week before as I was giving him a break from being handled . . . The next vet (same office, two months later on a recheck for the injury) remarked on how wonderful his teeth were. AMAZING as the vet two months earlier had estimated a minimum of $600 would be needed to clean up his teeth.

SOB

 

My Vet doesn't push things, but the Vet techs might suggest it. When they do, I bluntly ask the Vet to give me a medical opinion. The last visit, my dog had gained 2 pounds from the previous visit, and without looking at the records or the dog, the Vet tech starts to lecture me about the dog losing weight, and buying their weight loss food.

When the Vet came in, I asked her if my dog was fat. She didn't look at the chart, she felt for ribs. Then, she said that she'd like to see him gain ... another 2 pounds! That tech doesn't help with my dog anymore... but I don't blame my Vet.

 

I wonder if that comes under the saying, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing" Then I wonder what's worse stupidity or pushing an unneeded product.

 

I didn't want to smear thoughtful Techs... but to me, pushing one or two useless products (even honest Vets are mis-led into doing this, sometimes)... is the lesser of two evils

 

I think dog owners have to be smart consumers whether it's Vets, Techs, or bags of dog food.

 

In situations like this, I go with my gut. If you think you're being scammed, you probably are. However, if the vet is a good one and you're comfortable with the level of care, I'd stay with them and just not buy all the stuff they want to sell you.

 

I think I paid like $150 for a dental cleaning for Sydney and $75 for our cat. While I do think that most dogs who have had no dental care (and are kibble fed) will probably need a dental by 3, I would definitely search out a vet you feel you can trust. I've seen the result of our lab's declining oral health and I would never wish that on another person/dog. I'd be happy to have a more proactive vet. Our lab's vet didn't tell my parents he needed dental care until it was already too late, and they thought he might not even survive the surgery.

Anyway, I wouldn't write off this vet's concerns, but I recommend searching out another vet that you trust so you can ask them what they think. If my dog had a joint problem for real and I could prevent future pain/problems I would if I could afford it.

 

Around here I think dentals are ~$100. I should get one for Rox but I don't have that much money to spare so I'm hoping RMBs help. But if she really needs it I can do it.

 

I am a Vet Tech and I can tell you right now, your Veterinarian is not trying to scam you. All he or she is worried about is the over all health of your pet. Plenty of people turn down preventatives for heartworms, dental calculus, gingivitis, periodontal disease, ehrlichiosis, and a ton of other things. That's all we care about is the total health of your dog. Small breeds are so prone to dental diseases that can also cause heart problems in the future. It's my job to clean those teeth and I can tell you about how easy it is to avoid. They may look just fine to you now but the prevention is so that you don't have to deal with the pains of diseases later. Just go with it so you don't have to see it later. Also, if you don't treat the joint pains now, you're condemning your dog to a painful road that will limit his life in the future. There are cheaper vets but they should ALL push for the health of your little friend.

 

Its true that vets should be all about the health of your pet (and most are in my experience) but it gets a little muddy when financial incentives are involved, like a salesman there is concern that they're trying to "upsell" you. Its not necessarily true that getting a prescription food and filling your dog full of expensive supplements is going to create a healthier dog, (unless its really in their best interests)... but it might create a richer vet. Thats why its so important to have a vet you trust because the dog suffers if you can't tell the difference between a real and warranted health concern and padding the bill. My vet is totally invested in my pets health but he doesnt try to sell me anything, thats how I know when he brings something up I need to pay attention and make it happen.

 

Though it may feel like a scam at first, over time you come to realize that animals take much the same care we do. As far as bones: The vet dentist told me "if you can't bend it, don't give it to your dog". Learned that the hard way. Virbac C.E.T Hextra chews are great for scraping their teeth (front & sides), oral rinse, & yes, special dog food that breaks up in their mouth & scrapes when they chew it + some brushing helps. You could alternate days of brushing, rinse & chews. They do seem expensive on cleaning fees by about $100.

Change clinics if you don't trust them. Since your dog is only three, now would be the time to do it.

 

Though it may feel like a scam at first, over time you come to realize that animals take much the same care we do. As far as bones: The vet dentist told me "if you can't bend it, don't give it to your dog". Learned that the hard way. Virbac C.E.T Hextra chews are great for scraping their teeth (front & sides), oral rinse, & yes, special dog food that breaks up in their mouth & scrapes when they chew it + some brushing helps. You could alternate days of brushing, rinse & chews. They do seem expensive on cleaning fees by about $100.

Change clinics if you don't trust them. Since your dog is only three, now would be the time to do it.

These are usually low quality vets diets though. If you are worried about teeth feed some RMW 2-3 times a week and/or brush their teeth. The chemicals in the rinses and chews freak me out.

 

I am going into vet tech schooling next semester and I strongly disagree that all vets only have your pet's best interests in mind. I have had vets that simply DO NOT CARE. All they see is dollar signs and they don't even know to keep my rat when she has a GIANT HOLE IN HER CHIN that THEY MADE which caused her to starve to death because they told me "oh just keep giving her the meds and food"...

Also, if you can't bend it don't feed it to your dog?? How about if it's cooked don't feed it to your dog? I can't bend a piece of kibble, should I avoid feeding that to my dog?

 

In regards to vets pushing products, I generally just ignore them. I can't figure out what the veterinary dental foods have that makes them help with cleaning the teeth. Does anyone know the answer? I have tried stuff you put in water but it did nothing. I've also tried Plaque Off; it didn't work for my dogs but i know others who had good results.
I wouldn't change vets due to them pushing products, just ignore them.

 

In regards to vets pushing products, I generally just ignore them. I can't figure out what the veterinary dental foods have that makes them help with cleaning the teeth. Does anyone know the answer? I have tried stuff you put in water but it did nothing. I've also tried Plaque Off; it didn't work for my dogs but i know others who had good results. I wouldn't change vets due to them pushing products, just ignore them.

here is what i have learned about the product. the aquadent ( water additive) and the plaque off have very little feed back. I doubt it would work on a dog with bad teeth but we promote it after we do a full dental on the pet to help prevent further buildup but like I said the company provides little feedback on their product.

the T/D food works I wouldn't say because of the ingredients but how the food sticks to the teeth. It truly has a different texture then any other dental product. and It helps alot. but it is not gonna help if your dog has really bad teeth already. nothing over the counter will save your dogs mouth if it is very bad you need to get the vets help then start using something to prevent it from getting bad again. It would be like using a toothbrush and toothpaste to help get your rotting out teeth and gums better it just wouldn't work. but if you had been brushing like recommend you probably wouldn't be in that condition. Get your dogs teeth cleaned and then try the product. that is my recommendation.

My dogs range from 2-5 yrs old and they have their beef bones and T/D food and they have beautiful pearly whites

 

Anything can be taken to an extreme. When they break their teeth off, one tends to use common sense based on what the specialists are telling you, which you will most likely learn during the course of schooling. Treats or anything other than regular feeding is what the dentist was implying, obviously. Kibble, not being "rock solid" breaks up during chewing or you could stomp on it & crush it unlike a bone or some of those purchased fake bones. Also another dentist said some of those chew products can harden over time losing moisture if you've had them awhile. If something has a little bit of "give" to it, it's ok. So just passing on information for free that I paid a lot of money to get & pain to my pet with a broken off molar, exposed nerve & a root canal. Everyone has to use their own judgement when it comes to the risks they're willing to take for possible large expense & discomfort to their pet.

 

Anything can be taken to an extreme. When they break their teeth off, one tends to use common sense based on what the specialists are telling you, which you will most likely learn during the course of schooling. Treats or anything other than regular feeding is what the dentist was implying, obviously. Kibble, not being "rock solid" breaks up during chewing or you could stomp on it & crush it unlike a bone or some of those purchased fake bones. Also another dentist said some of those chew products can harden over time losing moisture if you've had them awhile. If something has a little bit of "give" to it, it's ok. So just passing on information for free that I paid a lot of money to get & pain to my pet with a broken off molar, exposed nerve & a root canal. Everyone has to use their own judgement when it comes to the risks they're willing to take for possible large expense & discomfort to their pet.

You should see my tiny yorkie crunching down and crushing chicken bones, turkey bones, pork and deer bones. Our hands may not be able to crush bone, but a dogs mouth was designed to crunch through hard things. The idea that kibble somehow cleans teeth is like expecting some hard crackers to clean our teeth

 

I could stomp on and crush a chicken bone, and my dog does a pretty good job crunching her raw chicken bones too If you like I can post a video demonstrating both things.

 

what people don't realize is that the vets have to make money too , to keep their business open. Its a business and like any business moving product out is a must and promoting their product is important for their business. If you don't try to sell your product many times your stuck with expired product and eat the cost, sometimes the company will replace the product. People want or expect certain things from their vets and it boils down to " they are running a business and need to make money like all of us do." and the prices on their services vary from town to town because that is how it is with EVERYTHING. They are paying for the regional taxes and property costs and shipping charges like everything else. which costs a lot more in some areas. So don't get mad at your vet for doing their job. They have to make money, a lot of clinics are hurting right now too. Running a vet is a pricey business if you have ever had to see the bills produced on a day to day basis. Just to order a few months of front line or vectra D costs us $13,000 and that is just ONE product and our clinic is small. The prices on a lot of must haves at the vet have been jumping up 4-10x the normal price. Bottom line is everyone is hurting. so give your vet a break. how could they know that your dog wouldn't like T/D food? my moms dog LOVES T/D food and it saved her A LOT of money on dental work on her shihtzu because of how well it worked, I tell everyone about it when they come in too because Ive seen it work. The reason they offer the refunds on the food is because sometimes a dog won't like something. Its hard being a vet cause people complain when you didn't tell them something, then they also complain if you tell them to much. I get it on a daily basis at work. Its up to the owner, it is our job to give you the information you need and you choose what to do with it.

 

So don't get mad at your vet for doing their job.

As I see it my vets job is to look out for the health of my animal, without concern for the bottom line. Of course I understand running a practice is a business which is why I pay for vet visits, any medication or procedures my animal needs at a price the vet feels is fairmarket. But financial incentives are not a justification for pushing unnecessary products. That would be like a doctor telling all his patients they MUST take a certain unnecessary drug while getting a cut of the profits. I think most vets walk this line just fine. I've never felt like my vet was trying to sell me something or push any agenda other than my pets health. As a result I really trust him and know that any suggestion made is a serious one with real grounding in my pets well-being. Its like with doctors, if you don't trust your doctor or think they're concerned with padding the bill... its time to change doctors... trust is key.

 

As I see it my vets job is to look out for the health of my animal, without concern for the bottom line. .

Any business operating without concern for the bottom line is likely to be in trouble. Just like stating that breeders shouldn't make a profit, we can't expect our animal care providers to work "at cost." My vet is more expensive than a lot of vets in the area. They are also 24/7, have a large staff of vets and techs, have a modern operating room with inhalents and a tech to monitor pulse/ox during surgeries, a water rehab area, a fully staffed ICU and several other things I can't get at other local vets. Much of the money goes back into running the business, investing in equipment and people. Yes, the vet has a nice house and nice car. She also works very hard, and had those lean years when she worked out of a little old two-bedroom house (next to the new facility that she built) and probably had a lot of school loans to pay off, While I consider her a friend, I don't expect her to work for me for free. Just as my friends don't expect me to train their dogs for free.