3 mistakes people make at the vet
I’d hate to toot my own horn, but veterinarians topped the 1999 Gallop poll for most trusted professions in America, beaten only by nurses and pharmacists. We even came before medical doctors, kindergarten teachers, clergy, and judges. When it comes to our pets, Americans puts a lot of trust into their veterinarians, and we appreciate that.
That said, sometimes people make mistakes when they take Fluffy or Fido to the vet. As a board-certified veterinary emergency specialist, I want you to be the best advocate for your four-legged family member and for yourself. Based on my own MD appointments, I realize that the whopping ten minutes of time you get with the doctor can fly by or be overwhelmingly stressful. All the questions that were in your head have, voila, disappeared, and you’re kicking yourself for not remembering to ask that question. Well, when it comes to taking care of our pets, avoid these three mistakes people make at the vet.
First, be a strong advocate for your pet! The first place to start is by simply maintaining a good medical record at home. If you have blood work done at your vet, ask for a copy. Every few years, ask for an updated copy of Fido’s medical record so you have it on hand if you ever have to rush to an emergency veterinarian or decide to up and move. Next, know your rights; in the case that Fido is really sick, you can always self-refer Fido’s case to a board-certified specialist or to another veterinarian if you’re worried about the diagnosis, prognosis, or simply, just want a second opinion. Most people are too embarrassed and don’t want to offend their veterinarian--but when it boils down to Fido’s health, let’s do what’s best for Fido. Lastly, if you have a lot of questions for your vet, do your research (on reputable Internet sites, please!) and bring a list of questions to ask your vet so you make sure all your points are addressed. Keep the list short and to the point: three to five main questions… otherwise, your vet will worry more about you.
Secondly, skip the vaccines this year, but make sure to still have an annual exam. Once your pet has gone through their whole puppy or kitten series, followed by annual vaccines for four to five years, studies have shown that Fluffy’s immune system is well protected! Current veterinary recommendations are to make sure Fluffy has an annual exam, but we’ve moved vaccines to every two to three years, depending on your state’s Rabies law. If you own a middle-aged to geriatric pet, talk to your vet about getting routine blood work (such as a complete blood count or chemistry panel) every year instead of the vaccines.
Thirdly, when something’s wrong, don’t wait to see a vet. Fido and Fluffy can’t tell you where it hurts. I often see people waiting too long before they finally take their pet in to their vet. Signs such as increased thirst or urination, decreased appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, panting excessively, not wanting to move, collapse, pale gums, a racing heart, or generalized malaise are all basic signs that you should bring your pet to a vet right away. For you cat lovers out there, watch your cat’s kitty litter habits. If you notice bigger clumps in the litter box, please don’t wait too long to bring Fluffy in; common diseases like chronic kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, or even hyperthyroidism can be fatal without treatment. Likewise, a lack of urine in the litter box after a day or two could mean your male cat has a bladder obstruction and may need to be rushed to the ER. Most people wait too long, and it’s more expensive to treat when you wait until your pet needs to go to the ER or be admitting into the hospital. Remember, it takes a lot for your generally happy-go-lucky cat or tail-thumping dog to show you signs that he’s sick.
Avoid these three simple mistakes the next time you visit the vet. Since Fluffy and Fido can’t speak up for themselves, we as veterinarians and you as owners have to.
Have any suggestions for other mistakes to avoid making at a vet clinic? Send me your comments!
Signing off,
Dr. Justine Lee
References:
Nurses Displace Pharmacists at Top of Expanded Honesty and Ethics Poll (press release, Princeton, NJ: The Gallup Organization, Nov 16, 1999). Available from http://www.colnurse, org/cno/new2/glp111899. html. Accessed 8 May 2000.
Biography:
Dr. Justine Lee is a veterinary emergency critical care specialist and the author of It’s a Dog’s Life… but It’s Your Carpet: Everything you ever wanted to know about your four-legged friend.
That said, sometimes people make mistakes when they take Fluffy or Fido to the vet. As a board-certified veterinary emergency specialist, I want you to be the best advocate for your four-legged family member and for yourself. Based on my own MD appointments, I realize that the whopping ten minutes of time you get with the doctor can fly by or be overwhelmingly stressful. All the questions that were in your head have, voila, disappeared, and you’re kicking yourself for not remembering to ask that question. Well, when it comes to taking care of our pets, avoid these three mistakes people make at the vet.
First, be a strong advocate for your pet! The first place to start is by simply maintaining a good medical record at home. If you have blood work done at your vet, ask for a copy. Every few years, ask for an updated copy of Fido’s medical record so you have it on hand if you ever have to rush to an emergency veterinarian or decide to up and move. Next, know your rights; in the case that Fido is really sick, you can always self-refer Fido’s case to a board-certified specialist or to another veterinarian if you’re worried about the diagnosis, prognosis, or simply, just want a second opinion. Most people are too embarrassed and don’t want to offend their veterinarian--but when it boils down to Fido’s health, let’s do what’s best for Fido. Lastly, if you have a lot of questions for your vet, do your research (on reputable Internet sites, please!) and bring a list of questions to ask your vet so you make sure all your points are addressed. Keep the list short and to the point: three to five main questions… otherwise, your vet will worry more about you.
Secondly, skip the vaccines this year, but make sure to still have an annual exam. Once your pet has gone through their whole puppy or kitten series, followed by annual vaccines for four to five years, studies have shown that Fluffy’s immune system is well protected! Current veterinary recommendations are to make sure Fluffy has an annual exam, but we’ve moved vaccines to every two to three years, depending on your state’s Rabies law. If you own a middle-aged to geriatric pet, talk to your vet about getting routine blood work (such as a complete blood count or chemistry panel) every year instead of the vaccines.
Thirdly, when something’s wrong, don’t wait to see a vet. Fido and Fluffy can’t tell you where it hurts. I often see people waiting too long before they finally take their pet in to their vet. Signs such as increased thirst or urination, decreased appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, panting excessively, not wanting to move, collapse, pale gums, a racing heart, or generalized malaise are all basic signs that you should bring your pet to a vet right away. For you cat lovers out there, watch your cat’s kitty litter habits. If you notice bigger clumps in the litter box, please don’t wait too long to bring Fluffy in; common diseases like chronic kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, or even hyperthyroidism can be fatal without treatment. Likewise, a lack of urine in the litter box after a day or two could mean your male cat has a bladder obstruction and may need to be rushed to the ER. Most people wait too long, and it’s more expensive to treat when you wait until your pet needs to go to the ER or be admitting into the hospital. Remember, it takes a lot for your generally happy-go-lucky cat or tail-thumping dog to show you signs that he’s sick.
Avoid these three simple mistakes the next time you visit the vet. Since Fluffy and Fido can’t speak up for themselves, we as veterinarians and you as owners have to.
Have any suggestions for other mistakes to avoid making at a vet clinic? Send me your comments!
Signing off,
Dr. Justine Lee
References:
Nurses Displace Pharmacists at Top of Expanded Honesty and Ethics Poll (press release, Princeton, NJ: The Gallup Organization, Nov 16, 1999). Available from http://www.colnurse, org/cno/new2/glp111899. html. Accessed 8 May 2000.
Biography:
Dr. Justine Lee is a veterinary emergency critical care specialist and the author of It’s a Dog’s Life… but It’s Your Carpet: Everything you ever wanted to know about your four-legged friend.
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