13 Things Veterinarians Wish You Knew
BY MARIEL BUTAN
Veterinarians are lucky — they get to spend all day playing with kittens, the hours are easy, and appreciative clients always follow their advice, right? If only it were that simple! They’d like you to know…
OUR DAYS DON’T END WHEN THE OFFICE CLOSES! Standard long hours are only extended by house calls and other after-hour emergencies.
WE DIDN’T GO INTO VETERINARY MEDICINE FOR THE MONEY … because there isn’t as much as you think! In 2014, the average veterinarian’s salary was $98,230, half of the average physician’s, and only 20% of the average surgeon’s.
WE ARE CONSTANTLY COMPETING WITH “DR. GOOGLE.” We have the utmost respect for our clients but less faith in their internet-based diagnoses. Veterinary school is more competitive than medical school — trust us!
DON’T WAIT. Bring in your pet for annual exams, not just when something is wrong. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, such as loss of energy or appetite, call us right away! “By waiting, people create emergency situations for things that could’ve been handled quite easily if addressed sooner,” says one South Florida veterinarian.
FLORA AND FAUNA DON’T MIX WELL! “Don’t have lilies in your house or yard if you own cats,” warns a veterinarian from Colorado. Sorry, we know they’re pretty, but they are very toxic to your cats. Dogs are also at great risk from poinsettia and sago palms.
WE CRY TOO. Your pets are precious to us, and the emotional strain of giving terrible news or saying goodbye to a beloved patient is no easy task.
IF WE REFER YOU TO A SPECIALIST, GO! As general practitioners, we get to see a lot of interesting cases that challenge us, but sometimes your pet requires an expert eye for issues like cancer or orthopedic problems. It’s not a racket — we want your pet to get the attention he or she needs!
EAT HEALTHY — BOTH OF YOU! Obesity is a serious issue regardless of species. Pets need to eat well and exercise just like we do to stay healthy. We may also recommend a special diet for issues with diabetes, kidney or liver issues, or other problems.
CLEAN TEETH MAKE FOR A HAPPY PET. There are many ways to make sure your pet’s teeth stay clean, ranging from special treats to doggy toothpaste to regular dental cleanings at the vet. Tooth decay and dental disease are leading causes of discomfort and poor health in old age, as bacteria can migrate to kidneys and heart valves.
IF YOU LEAVE IT, THEY WILL COME EAT IT! No matter how well trained your dogs or cats are, curiosity can still get the best of them. “You won’t believe what I’ve had to surgically remove from dogs’ intestines — half a lawn, Legos, even a gold necklace!” says a Florida vet. Certain foods and medications, such as xylitol sweetener and acetaminophen, are especially toxic.
FLEA AND TICK CONTROL IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. We wish natural products like diatomaceous earth worked, but they don’t have the same effectiveness as prescription medications. Make sure your pet is protected with a trusted product backed by clinical research!
KNOW YOUR DOG’S SPECIFIC IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS. Ask your vet about vaccines — not all dogs need all vaccines, and not as often as we used to think. However, your dog’s rabies vaccinations should always be current.
WE LOVE WHAT WE DO. Every day, we get to wake up to the joys and challenges of keeping your pets happy and healthy, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
