Sure, being a veterinarian has its perks, like spending most of the day surrounded by pets. It is a very rewarding profession, but there are frustrating issues that need to be faced. Of course, you will not hear these things from your veterinarian. Pay attention as some vets reveal confessions about their pet peeves as well as pet care tips that may add years to your furry friend’s life.
1. Veterinarians often end up with a lot of pets.
There are certain times when pet owners leave their pets in the hospital and never come back again. Do you know what happens to them? They do not always end up homeless, but most of the time they are in the arms of your vets. This is the reason why you may see vets with a random pet with disabilities.
2. Your pet’s behaviour is often in your hands.
The leading reason for pet rehoming and euthanasia is pet behavioural issues. However, we have to recognise that pet behaviour is not part of your vet’s field of expertise. They studied veterinary medicine, not obedience training.
It is very important to do extensive research to understand the type of pet that you are getting. If you choose a breed that can be potentially aggressive, invest time to learn to interpret their behaviour. Further, it is best to enrol him in necessary training that will help improve his behaviour.
3. They know when you attempt to twist the facts.
Some pet owners tend to cover up their own fault. Some tasks are understandably easy to forget, such as cutting the dog’s nails and other neglected pet duties. However, what particularly annoys your vet is when you try to cover up serious concerns. A noticeable, bulging tumour that hangs in your pet’s skin does not just magically appear overnight. It is important for your vet to know all the details in chronological order for proper diagnosis.
4. The reason that your pet is fat is all because of you.
“I would never say that to someone in an exam room, but the fact of the matter is, if you have an owner who overeats and is inactive, they are very likely to have an obese pet,” says Oscar Chaves, DVM.
Some pet owners just cannot resist giving in to those cute little eyes. They seem obligated to spoil them with treats, including unhealthy ones, to prove their declaration of love. This is unsurprisingly one of the things that annoy veterinarians.
Do not forget that there are many other ways to give affection. The next time your furry pets give you those irresistible eyes, take a moment to calculate risks in the long run.
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5. Putting down animals never gets easier.
We have already tackled this melancholic matter from our last post on Veterinarian Reveals Painful Truth about a Dying Pet’s Last Moments. A few appointments with your veterinarian create a mutual bond and understanding. With that being said, they grieve too, although they remain professional as they break the news.
On the other hand, some pet owners surprise veterinarians. Some opt to euthanise their pets for cruel reasons, like an easy way out of pet responsibility. One vet confessed that most cases of euthanasia happen during the holidays in the months of November and December. However, he refused to do so, pointing out the difference between the end suffering and killing; the latter should never be an option.
6. One of their pet peeves is one that refuses to pay.
One of their biggest frustrations is encountering owners who refuse to invest in vet bills as they have obtained their pets for free. The same owners refuse to pay for diagnostic tests. Remember that it is impossible to diagnose the cause without results on blood tests, X-rays, and others. As much they would like to give treatments for free, they have bills to pay too.
Without the help of pet insurance, vet bills can possibly increase higher than expected (Read: Ways to Help with Vet Bills for Low-Income Family). It can be a gripping decision when you need to choose between the life of your pet and vet bills. As such, many recommend for owners to purchase pet insurance as early as possible.
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7. Not all vets take their dogs to dog parks.
Whilst dog parks help socialise your furry friends with others, it is actually not the safest place for them. In fact, there are a lot of dog injuries sustained from visits to dog parks. Apart from that, before bringing your pooch to dog parks, you should familiarise yourself with dog park etiquette in public places.
8. They want you to be realistic with your choice of pets.
“If you live in a one-bedroom apartment with no patio and minimal space, and you’re gone ten hours a day at your job, a 100-pound Great Dane may not be the best choice for you. Maybe start with a goldfish?” stated Amber Andersen, DVM in a Reader’s Digest article.
Pet ownership should not be a rash decision. Find out what type of breed matches you and your lifestyle by taking our Dog Finder quiz now.
