New Doodle Owner - Have a few question

[Rick Smith]

Hey guys, I have a few questions about our GoldenDoodle regarding it's health care.

I've read up online about all of this and was surprised at the wide number of answers I found. I'm hoping there is a more general consensus.

Jake was born on 9/1/2012

When I received him from the breeder it said he was "wormed" at 3, 5, and 7 weeks.

He also received 2 Vaccinations. One at 7 weeks ol (10/21/12) and one on 11/9/12 (I just found out I was supposed to get his last vaccination 3 weeks after we got him. So I need to get that asap.) 

The vaccinations that he was given was Distemper, adenoviruis type 2, parainfluenza, and parvo (the sticker they put on his records is brown and says "Nobivac 1-DAPPv."

My question is what else do I need to give him? 

There is a LuvMyPet Clinic in my area today so I thought I'd jump on it since it seemed like a great price, and no office visit! 

I know I need to give him one more round of shots, and some of said to give him the rabies now, others say later.

Also do you think I need to do a fecal and heart worm exam? I believe the breeder already did that before I got him. 

Just trying to wrap my head around what all he needs next. Thanks so much! 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I agree too.  I don't think this post though, went in a direction of pro and cons of vaccinations but rather, giving so many at once can be rough on the immune system. 

Speaking of vaccines, I think it is time for a Bordetella. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am a believer in vaccination from a perspective of human health extrapolated to dogs too. I am surprised that as the husband of a pediatrician you do not sound like you are looking for a vet for your dog.

[Rick Smith]

Sounds like you are misunderstanding my posts.

No worries. It happens. It's the Internet.

Take care.

[F, Calla & Luca]

No I understood you are for vaccinations and I was agreeing with that. But I was surprised it sounded like you were not going to have a regular vet you go to.

[Rick Smith]

Then you misunderstood my post.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Perhaps. Does Banfield let you see the vet of your choice on an ongoing basis?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

My experience with Banfield is that they do not have a regular staff. Your appointment is with whoever is moonlighting at the time of your visit.  You may never see the same person twice. Ever

No established relationship is developed between pet, pet owner and vet.  

Once again, we can only hope that pet owners seek out any medical treatment and primary care for the animals. 

I agree with you F., that a continuous and trusting relationship, is, in my opinion, the best.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

My experience with Banfield was as you describe, and even with good reviews, we had some very uncomfortable (for Murphy) visits with some of his ear problems. It really gets to be more expensive in the long run with Banfield as they tack on every little test or shot or culture or medication they can to every visit. They are well trained in up-selling.
A Vet Is important to have a relationship with for so many reasons, however, I do use a low cost clinic for some of the smaller routine stuff to help offset the cost with two doodles. But have had the same vet for several years and she knows each dog very well, which is priceless.
F, I agree, there is no mention of a regular vet in this post, so I'm thinking Mr Smith has misunderstood your comment.

[Becka]

We've actually had a great experience with our vets at Banfield, and they've always asked which vet we prefer to see when I make an appointment. It really does sound like they vary quite a bit from region to region.

[Rick Smith]

This location has 2 vets (who get good reviews from others.)

And I assume you Can pick which one you'd like to see.

There are different vets at each location so it would be impossible for anyone to say they are "for" or "against" banfield as a whole. They could be "for" or "against" a certain location prehaps.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

How about being against getting veterinary advice/care from a huge corporation like Mars, Inc which happens to own Banfield and also happens to own many of the pet product brands sold in the stores where the vet offices are also located? Can you say conflict of interest, boys and girls? I want my vet to recommend products based on what he really thinks is best for my dog, and not because his employer sells them.

How about just being against storefront franchise cookie cutter veterinary practices in general?

I wouldn't use Banfield for my pets if they were free, but I have had horrendous experiences with foster and rescue dogs whose owners used Banfields, and that was several different vets at several different Banfields in several different states across the country.  

And their prices are higher than most private practice vets for many services.

So yes, I am against Banfield as a whole. But that's just my own opinion, based on my own experiences. Hopefully yours will be better.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And clearly I am not alone in my feelings, as Banfield as a whole gets a one star rating (on a scale of 1 ot 5)  from 91% of the 765 people who rated and reviewed the company on this Consumer Affairs website: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/banfield.html