My comments on Reader's Digest article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You"
" The cheaper, over-the-counter spot-on flea and tick treatments are extremely dangerous. I've seen animals having violent seizures after using them; I've seen animals die. Ironically, most of these animals still have live fleas crawling all over them."
I wish there was a cheap, safe and effective OTC flea and tick product for pets. I really do. I hate fleas, and I remeber summers spent bathing the dog, powdering the cats, collaring everyone, and still having fleas crawl up my socks as I walked across carpet in the house. YUCK!
But here's the thing. The OTC products are old technology. Old chemistry. Product that we know is no longer effective. Most of them contain chemicals that can be very dangerous for cats. I, too, have seen cats' lives put at risk from these products, and I never recommend them.
Which leaves us with more effective, generally safe, but more costly option for flea control. Yes, $20ish dollars per pet per month adds up. I sympathize. But the only way to control the problem is to use an effective treatment. Ask us vets what we use. Try to budget accordingly.
A couple slightly off-topic notes- never use a product labeled "for dogs only" on cats. Cats are not small dogs. They can have real problems with medications that dogs handle just fine. This includes prescription products from the vet.
Pocket pets also have specific needs and challenges for parasite control. Ask your vet.
Be very cautious about ordering meds online. There are some unscrupulous people out there trying to make money with counterfiet product, or expired products that have been repackaged with fake info and expiration dates. The more people to "touch" a product, the more oppurtunity for graft. The meds at the vet have gone from the manufacturer to the distributor to the vet. The meds online have gone who knows where. Just sayin.'
Enjoy your pets!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Secret #25- in the raw
My comments on Reader's Digest article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You"
"Some people are really into a raw-food diet for pets, but it's a huge public health hazard. Think about it: You have raw meat, you're touching it, your dog touches it, and then the dog goes and licks the baby. I've had two patients die and two patients get really sick from it."
Raw food is hard to do right, for many reasons. Balancing the diet is tricky and time-consuming, and needs to be watched constantly, to avoid what some nutritionists call "drift."
Messing with raw meat puts us all at risk. Have you heard of Salmonella? E. coli? Toxoplasmosis? Trichonella? There is a reason we don't eat raw (sushi and tar tar aside). Our pets are not wild animals. They have been carefully bred over thousands of years to be our companions. Their systems are no longer equipped to process raw meats. When was the last time you saw a miniature poodle taking down a caribou? And what is the average life expectancy of wild dogs? Ever thing diet might contribute to early death for them?
Seriously, commercial foods- good quality ones- have all your pet needs, in a palatable form, with little waste. I think of it like the food squares on the original Star Trek- all your needs in a small package. Companies have spent years and dollars researching and perfecting these diets. Heck, I wouldn't mind being on one myself some days! It certainly would help my physique.
One thing about raw diets you might not realize- no only does the risk of food borne disease increase for the pet fed the diet, it increases the risk in the household. And not just directly from the dog locking the baby. Dishwashers can spread the nasty bacteria onto all of the dishes and utensils in the washer- the water might not get hot enough to kill everything adequately.
So, if you really want to go raw- be sure you do your research. Even cooked home made diets need research. Find a vet nutritionist to consult if you can, or a reliable website like balanceit.com
Enjoy your pets!
"Some people are really into a raw-food diet for pets, but it's a huge public health hazard. Think about it: You have raw meat, you're touching it, your dog touches it, and then the dog goes and licks the baby. I've had two patients die and two patients get really sick from it."
Raw food is hard to do right, for many reasons. Balancing the diet is tricky and time-consuming, and needs to be watched constantly, to avoid what some nutritionists call "drift."
Messing with raw meat puts us all at risk. Have you heard of Salmonella? E. coli? Toxoplasmosis? Trichonella? There is a reason we don't eat raw (sushi and tar tar aside). Our pets are not wild animals. They have been carefully bred over thousands of years to be our companions. Their systems are no longer equipped to process raw meats. When was the last time you saw a miniature poodle taking down a caribou? And what is the average life expectancy of wild dogs? Ever thing diet might contribute to early death for them?
Seriously, commercial foods- good quality ones- have all your pet needs, in a palatable form, with little waste. I think of it like the food squares on the original Star Trek- all your needs in a small package. Companies have spent years and dollars researching and perfecting these diets. Heck, I wouldn't mind being on one myself some days! It certainly would help my physique.
One thing about raw diets you might not realize- no only does the risk of food borne disease increase for the pet fed the diet, it increases the risk in the household. And not just directly from the dog locking the baby. Dishwashers can spread the nasty bacteria onto all of the dishes and utensils in the washer- the water might not get hot enough to kill everything adequately.
So, if you really want to go raw- be sure you do your research. Even cooked home made diets need research. Find a vet nutritionist to consult if you can, or a reliable website like balanceit.com
Enjoy your pets!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Secret #24- supplemetary
My comments on Reader's Digest article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You"
"Even though you see vitamins on the shelves in pet staores, healthy pets don't need them. The pet food companies have spent billions of dollars to make sure their pet food is properly balances with every vitamin and mineral a pet needs."
True. Feeding a good, balancd, AAFCO certified diet is enough. There's nothing wrong with vitamins, but they aren't needed.
Enjoy your pets!
"Even though you see vitamins on the shelves in pet staores, healthy pets don't need them. The pet food companies have spent billions of dollars to make sure their pet food is properly balances with every vitamin and mineral a pet needs."
True. Feeding a good, balancd, AAFCO certified diet is enough. There's nothing wrong with vitamins, but they aren't needed.
Enjoy your pets!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Secret #23- unleashed
My comments on Reader's Digest article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You"
"I hate retractable leashes. The locking mechanism pops open so easily, and suddenly the pet is flying to the end of it, and maybe it's into the street or into the jaws of another dog. I've had people bring in a pet who got hit by a car because they were using a retractable leash and the locking mechanism broke."
I have been burned by retractable leashes. Literally- rope burns across the backs of my knees. I don't like chains as leashes, either. Leather is OK. And plain old leashes 5-6 feet long are generally great. You want to be in control- that's the point.
So, be careful with retractables. Use a leash that allows you to make your dog stop suddenly if needed. Even better, train him to stay by your side on or off leash. I will still recommend keeping everyone on leash in the vet's office- it's really just safer for all involved.
Enjoy your pets!
"I hate retractable leashes. The locking mechanism pops open so easily, and suddenly the pet is flying to the end of it, and maybe it's into the street or into the jaws of another dog. I've had people bring in a pet who got hit by a car because they were using a retractable leash and the locking mechanism broke."
I have been burned by retractable leashes. Literally- rope burns across the backs of my knees. I don't like chains as leashes, either. Leather is OK. And plain old leashes 5-6 feet long are generally great. You want to be in control- that's the point.
So, be careful with retractables. Use a leash that allows you to make your dog stop suddenly if needed. Even better, train him to stay by your side on or off leash. I will still recommend keeping everyone on leash in the vet's office- it's really just safer for all involved.
Enjoy your pets!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Secret #22- haute breed-ure
My comments on Reader's Digest article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You"
"I hate to break it to you, but your $2,000 dollar designer dog is a mutt. Puppy stores and breeders have created these cute names like Morkipoos and Puggles, and now people are paying $2,000 for a dog they couldn't give away at the pound 10 yeasr ago. Whoever started the trend is a marketing genious."
**laughing**
Yes, the mixed breeds of yesterday are the designer breeds of today. Who knows, maybe some will be bred through a few generations, and will no longer be "designer."
But for now, these dogs are first generation- mom is one breed, dad another- and are generally very expensive mutts. Don't misunderstand- I like them, all the doodles and poos and mini walruses and puggles are lots of fun and very cute. If you want one and can afford it, great! I will be glad to help you care for her.
If you want one and can't afford it, you might check shelters and rescues- there are a lot of very cute mixed breed dogs looking for good homes. And again, I will be glad to help care for them.
Enjoy your pets!
"I hate to break it to you, but your $2,000 dollar designer dog is a mutt. Puppy stores and breeders have created these cute names like Morkipoos and Puggles, and now people are paying $2,000 for a dog they couldn't give away at the pound 10 yeasr ago. Whoever started the trend is a marketing genious."
**laughing**
Yes, the mixed breeds of yesterday are the designer breeds of today. Who knows, maybe some will be bred through a few generations, and will no longer be "designer."
But for now, these dogs are first generation- mom is one breed, dad another- and are generally very expensive mutts. Don't misunderstand- I like them, all the doodles and poos and mini walruses and puggles are lots of fun and very cute. If you want one and can afford it, great! I will be glad to help you care for her.
If you want one and can't afford it, you might check shelters and rescues- there are a lot of very cute mixed breed dogs looking for good homes. And again, I will be glad to help care for them.
Enjoy your pets!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Secret #21- holiday house cleaning
My comments on Reader's Digest article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You"
"No regulation says vets have to check certain lists before they euthanize an animal, and lots of vets still do convenience euthanasia for owners who prefer the easy way out. We see alot of euthanasia in November and December, just because people are getting ready for the holidays. I refuse to do it."
Convenience euthanasia sucks. Basically, this is when someone decides that the pet they have is no longer "convenient" to have around and opt for euthanasia. Yes, it happens. No, there is no checklist or governing body that oversees each euthanasia we perform (what a job that would be- ugh).
But there is such a thing as conscience. We use it every day. I would venture to guess that most vets prefer life to death, and most will refuse to euthanize a perfectly healthy pet for the owner's convenience.
Interestingly, this comes up occasionally when an owner dies and has left instructions that the pets be euthanized as well, since apparently the owner feels that no one else is capable of caring for the pets. Each vet has to make the decision for him or herself, and abide by his or her conscience.
If the vets refuse to euthanize, I would bet that many of these pets end up in shelters. Does that mean we are just passing the buck?
Let me be clear- I do not euthanize healthy animals for the convenience of people.
I do euthanize animals with health problems (or in some cases, behavior problems) that have become too much for their people to handle. I will not allow a pet to live in misery if I can help it. I will not leave a pet that is dangerous able to hurt more people or other animals.
Holiday cleaning house- I admit, some joke about how we seem to see an increase in euthanasia certain times of the year. I have never actually tracked numbers to see if it really happens. It might be like saying the crazies all come out with the full moon....I just don't know.
"No regulation says vets have to check certain lists before they euthanize an animal, and lots of vets still do convenience euthanasia for owners who prefer the easy way out. We see alot of euthanasia in November and December, just because people are getting ready for the holidays. I refuse to do it."
Convenience euthanasia sucks. Basically, this is when someone decides that the pet they have is no longer "convenient" to have around and opt for euthanasia. Yes, it happens. No, there is no checklist or governing body that oversees each euthanasia we perform (what a job that would be- ugh).
But there is such a thing as conscience. We use it every day. I would venture to guess that most vets prefer life to death, and most will refuse to euthanize a perfectly healthy pet for the owner's convenience.
Interestingly, this comes up occasionally when an owner dies and has left instructions that the pets be euthanized as well, since apparently the owner feels that no one else is capable of caring for the pets. Each vet has to make the decision for him or herself, and abide by his or her conscience.
If the vets refuse to euthanize, I would bet that many of these pets end up in shelters. Does that mean we are just passing the buck?
Let me be clear- I do not euthanize healthy animals for the convenience of people.
I do euthanize animals with health problems (or in some cases, behavior problems) that have become too much for their people to handle. I will not allow a pet to live in misery if I can help it. I will not leave a pet that is dangerous able to hurt more people or other animals.
Holiday cleaning house- I admit, some joke about how we seem to see an increase in euthanasia certain times of the year. I have never actually tracked numbers to see if it really happens. It might be like saying the crazies all come out with the full moon....I just don't know.
Friday, July 20, 2012
secret #20- study in the sun
My comments on Reader's Digest article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You"
"Your vet may not have gotten into vet school! Vets who can't get into traditional U.S. veterinary programs due to bad grades and poor test scores often go to for-profit schools in the Caribbean, where, basically, if you can pay the tuition, you get in."
So not true! (Yes- bold, italic, underline, exclamation point)
I cannot emphasize this enough- your vet, every vet practicing in the U.S. did go to vet school.
It is possible that he or she did not go to vet school in the continental United States. Some people get their graduate degree elsewhere. But to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S., they must pass the same national licensing (boards) examination I did. In fact, vets who attended oversees schools generally have to pass other tests before being licensed here, as well. They may have to spend some time in an internship-type role before they are allowed to practice.
I work with a vet who attended a vet school in the Caribbean. This is a school that is certified by the ruling body in the States. She had to have excellent grades and test scores (GRE, MCAT) to get in. She finished with a year at a state-side teaching vet hospital associated with a large university. She is one of the best vets I have had the pleasure to work with.
Can you tell I'm a bit aggravated?
Look, there are very few vet schools in the U.S. (fewer than one per state), as opposed to the multitude of human medical schools. Traditionally, there are as many as 4 or more applicants for each "seat" available in an entering class of vet wanna-be's. Other countries- including England- have opened up some seats at their schools for students from the U.S. Are they more expensive? Frequently, yes. Are they of poorer quality- no. Are they really vet schools, as the writer of the above comment seems to be questioning- YES!
So, no worries. If your vet is licensed in your state, you can rest assured that he or she did indeed go to vet school. Ask which one- we usually like talking about our alma maters. (By the way, Go Buckeyes!)
Enjoy your pets!
"Your vet may not have gotten into vet school! Vets who can't get into traditional U.S. veterinary programs due to bad grades and poor test scores often go to for-profit schools in the Caribbean, where, basically, if you can pay the tuition, you get in."
So not true! (Yes- bold, italic, underline, exclamation point)
I cannot emphasize this enough- your vet, every vet practicing in the U.S. did go to vet school.
It is possible that he or she did not go to vet school in the continental United States. Some people get their graduate degree elsewhere. But to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S., they must pass the same national licensing (boards) examination I did. In fact, vets who attended oversees schools generally have to pass other tests before being licensed here, as well. They may have to spend some time in an internship-type role before they are allowed to practice.
I work with a vet who attended a vet school in the Caribbean. This is a school that is certified by the ruling body in the States. She had to have excellent grades and test scores (GRE, MCAT) to get in. She finished with a year at a state-side teaching vet hospital associated with a large university. She is one of the best vets I have had the pleasure to work with.
Can you tell I'm a bit aggravated?
Look, there are very few vet schools in the U.S. (fewer than one per state), as opposed to the multitude of human medical schools. Traditionally, there are as many as 4 or more applicants for each "seat" available in an entering class of vet wanna-be's. Other countries- including England- have opened up some seats at their schools for students from the U.S. Are they more expensive? Frequently, yes. Are they of poorer quality- no. Are they really vet schools, as the writer of the above comment seems to be questioning- YES!
So, no worries. If your vet is licensed in your state, you can rest assured that he or she did indeed go to vet school. Ask which one- we usually like talking about our alma maters. (By the way, Go Buckeyes!)
Enjoy your pets!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
secret #19- behave!
My comments on Reader's Digest article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You"
"Behavior issues are the number 1 cause of re-homing, euthanasia and death. Yet, because it's not medical, most of us don't learn much about that in veterinary school."
Training in behavior is better all the time. We have some wonderful vet behaviorists who are making tremendous inroads in helping all of us become better informed and better equipped to help with behavior issues. Life-long learning is part of the commitment we make when we become veterinarians- learning does not stop after vet school.
And I would argue that many behavior issues are medical, and that is even more incentive to keep up with the most recent information out there.
Enjoy your pets!
"Behavior issues are the number 1 cause of re-homing, euthanasia and death. Yet, because it's not medical, most of us don't learn much about that in veterinary school."
Training in behavior is better all the time. We have some wonderful vet behaviorists who are making tremendous inroads in helping all of us become better informed and better equipped to help with behavior issues. Life-long learning is part of the commitment we make when we become veterinarians- learning does not stop after vet school.
And I would argue that many behavior issues are medical, and that is even more incentive to keep up with the most recent information out there.
Enjoy your pets!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
secret #18- good death?
My comments on Reader's Digest article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You" continues...
"I'll let you in on a secret of no-kill shelters: We had a contract with our local Humane Society that stated we'd euthanize the animals that needed to be out down. One Sunday they sent us 72 cats to put down. By the end, we were all emotionally devastated."
Well, I would be interested in asking this tech a couple questions. Was the H.S. that they were contracted with calling itself no-kill? If so, that is reprehensible and something should be done.
No-kill shelters may not always be absolutely no-kill. An animal in distress or with a severe health problem, or perhaps a severe behavior problem might need to be euthanized for compassionate reasons.
Pet overpopulation is a problem. Harsh measures (mass euthanasia) are taken every day, and will be until the populations are controlled. Please spay, neuter, and adopt.
I would hope that the board of this particular shelter would seriously consider how truthful they are being with the public, and make needed changes.
Enjoy your pets!
"I'll let you in on a secret of no-kill shelters: We had a contract with our local Humane Society that stated we'd euthanize the animals that needed to be out down. One Sunday they sent us 72 cats to put down. By the end, we were all emotionally devastated."
Well, I would be interested in asking this tech a couple questions. Was the H.S. that they were contracted with calling itself no-kill? If so, that is reprehensible and something should be done.
No-kill shelters may not always be absolutely no-kill. An animal in distress or with a severe health problem, or perhaps a severe behavior problem might need to be euthanized for compassionate reasons.
Pet overpopulation is a problem. Harsh measures (mass euthanasia) are taken every day, and will be until the populations are controlled. Please spay, neuter, and adopt.
I would hope that the board of this particular shelter would seriously consider how truthful they are being with the public, and make needed changes.
Enjoy your pets!
Monday, July 16, 2012
secret #17- Practice Makes Perfect
The ongoing parsing of Reader's Digests article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You" continues....
"New staff or training students sometimes practice injections or catheter placement on your pet. If you'd rather not allow your pet to be used this way, make sure you say something beforehand."
I am having trouble even starting to address this one.
Here's the fact- each state has a set of laws that lays out rules for who can do what. This is as true in veterinary medicine as it is on the human side. So I'm not sure to what this person is referring. Yes, there may be newly graduated vet techs in the practice. Just like the vet might be "new."
But you have to remember that these are highly trained professionals, not random people off the street. They have already completed training, and by law are allowed to perform tasks within their job descriptions. Is there some on the job training? Sure. there's a first (and second) time for everything. Even for me.
Seems to me that if you trust your vet to have hired competent staff, and to oversee them properly, this should not be a concern.
Enjoy your pets!
"New staff or training students sometimes practice injections or catheter placement on your pet. If you'd rather not allow your pet to be used this way, make sure you say something beforehand."
I am having trouble even starting to address this one.
Here's the fact- each state has a set of laws that lays out rules for who can do what. This is as true in veterinary medicine as it is on the human side. So I'm not sure to what this person is referring. Yes, there may be newly graduated vet techs in the practice. Just like the vet might be "new."
But you have to remember that these are highly trained professionals, not random people off the street. They have already completed training, and by law are allowed to perform tasks within their job descriptions. Is there some on the job training? Sure. there's a first (and second) time for everything. Even for me.
Seems to me that if you trust your vet to have hired competent staff, and to oversee them properly, this should not be a concern.
Enjoy your pets!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
secret #16- freebies
I am taking on Reader's Digest's article "50 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You." We continue.....
"Sometimes we do things for free just because we want to help the pet."
Yeah, well....I've been known to adjust some charges. And I know some things are done in the name of experience and practice for free or greatly reduced prices.
But don't expect to guilt us into it. That frequently backfires. We do have businesses to run, employess to pay, lights to keep on. IF we choose to offer our time and experience and recources for free, we will. Be greatful.
And yes, we do love animals. Really. And yes, we want to help. Really. In a perfect world we would never charge anyone for anything- we would practice veterinary medicine because we love to. In the world we are given, we need money to come in....because it does go out.
"Sometimes we do things for free just because we want to help the pet."
Yeah, well....I've been known to adjust some charges. And I know some things are done in the name of experience and practice for free or greatly reduced prices.
But don't expect to guilt us into it. That frequently backfires. We do have businesses to run, employess to pay, lights to keep on. IF we choose to offer our time and experience and recources for free, we will. Be greatful.
And yes, we do love animals. Really. And yes, we want to help. Really. In a perfect world we would never charge anyone for anything- we would practice veterinary medicine because we love to. In the world we are given, we need money to come in....because it does go out.
Friday, July 13, 2012
secret #15- one-eyed, three-legged dog named Lucky
"When people surrender their pets because they can't afford their problems, I often end up with them. I've got a 3-legged cat, a one-eyed cat, three dogs that required major surgeries, one goat and 11 chickens."
There are in-house jokes about vets and staff having the worst pets- they get obscure diseases, or "normal" diseases in large numbers. Or we take on someone else's problem pet.
But I caution you- don't assume that your vet will re-home a pet that is sick or has become inconvenient. We have to draw the line, and that line might involve a difficult decision on your part. We love to help, but we do not have infinite resources, either.
Enjoy your pets!
There are in-house jokes about vets and staff having the worst pets- they get obscure diseases, or "normal" diseases in large numbers. Or we take on someone else's problem pet.
But I caution you- don't assume that your vet will re-home a pet that is sick or has become inconvenient. We have to draw the line, and that line might involve a difficult decision on your part. We love to help, but we do not have infinite resources, either.
Enjoy your pets!
Monday, July 9, 2012
secret #14- people skills
"Every time we help a pet, we help a person. The classic example is the 80-year old grandma who has nothing in life but her cat. She's a widow with very limited social contact, and the cat is what connects her to life. So when we help her cat, she's really the one we're helping."
True.
Vet school teaches us how to treat animals. Life and experience teach us how to treat people. A vet can be excellent medically but never "get" the people side of things. The best vets I have known have been smart, great with medicine and surgery, but also really compassionate with the pet's people. These are the docs I admire the most.
Enjoy your pets!
True.
Vet school teaches us how to treat animals. Life and experience teach us how to treat people. A vet can be excellent medically but never "get" the people side of things. The best vets I have known have been smart, great with medicine and surgery, but also really compassionate with the pet's people. These are the docs I admire the most.
Enjoy your pets!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
secret #13- scraps
"You should never give pets chocolate, because it is toxic to most of them. But my cat is obsessed with it, and is all over me when I'm eating it, so sometimes I give her a sliver. Just and itsy-bitsy, tiny one."
Another example of us not necessarily following our own rules. Yes, we are human. We have pets that get table food sometimes. Some of us even *gasp* have overweight pets. (Insert grin here)
Chocolate can be quite toxic to dogs. They do not process the caffeine and another component- theobromine- the way we do, and it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, increased heart rate, anxiety , and even death. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Chocolate covered coffee beans- well, let's not go there.
I am not certain how toxic chocolate is for cats. I've never had reason to check before. There are other things to avoid in cats- over the counter pain medications, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), garlic and onions, can be deadly. So proceed with caution. A bite of this or that, the last of the milk and cereal in your bowl, is not likely to do harm.
And as for dogs- keep the chocolate put up. And the coffee. And the grapes, raisins, raw meat, bones. Sugarless gum with xylitol can cause severe low blood sugar. Potential toxicities abound, so dog-proof the larder.
Enjoy your pets!
Another example of us not necessarily following our own rules. Yes, we are human. We have pets that get table food sometimes. Some of us even *gasp* have overweight pets. (Insert grin here)
Chocolate can be quite toxic to dogs. They do not process the caffeine and another component- theobromine- the way we do, and it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, increased heart rate, anxiety , and even death. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Chocolate covered coffee beans- well, let's not go there.
I am not certain how toxic chocolate is for cats. I've never had reason to check before. There are other things to avoid in cats- over the counter pain medications, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), garlic and onions, can be deadly. So proceed with caution. A bite of this or that, the last of the milk and cereal in your bowl, is not likely to do harm.
And as for dogs- keep the chocolate put up. And the coffee. And the grapes, raisins, raw meat, bones. Sugarless gum with xylitol can cause severe low blood sugar. Potential toxicities abound, so dog-proof the larder.
Enjoy your pets!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Secret #12- show me your liscense and registration, please
"At a veterinary meeting I attended, it came out that more than half the vets there had not licensed their dogs, which is required by local law."
Well, this may be a case of "do as I say, not as I do." Or perhaps "shoemakers wives go barefoot and doctor's wives die young."
My dogs are licensed. It is the right thing to do, and the legal one. I encourage my puppy owners to get their licenses. Vets should do the same. I hate to think that the lack of licesnsure is deliberate- we are all busy, and it's easy to overlook some things.
So, vets, let's be sure we "practice what we preach" and take all the right steps to keep our pets safe.
Enjoy your pets!
Well, this may be a case of "do as I say, not as I do." Or perhaps "shoemakers wives go barefoot and doctor's wives die young."
My dogs are licensed. It is the right thing to do, and the legal one. I encourage my puppy owners to get their licenses. Vets should do the same. I hate to think that the lack of licesnsure is deliberate- we are all busy, and it's easy to overlook some things.
So, vets, let's be sure we "practice what we preach" and take all the right steps to keep our pets safe.
Enjoy your pets!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Secret #11- OUCH!
"Alot of veterinarians have told me matter-of-factly that they still don't use painkillers for procedures that we know are painful. They think that dogs and cats don't need it or that feeling pain after surgery is good because it keeps them from moving around too much. But reasearch has shown that pets who are in less pain heal faster, sleep better, and don't move around as much."
In my opinion, painkillers are not an option. Pre-empting pain by giving pain medication before surgery helps recovery immensely. Pain meds after extensive (and maybe not so extensive) surgery is a given.
It's true pets react differently to pain that we do, but that doesn't mean they don't feel it the same way we do. And there are, in fact, very good studies showing how much better pets do when their pain is well controlled. So, yes, I agree.
There may be vets who do not understand the benefits of excellent pain control, but I hesitate to agree that there are "alot" of them. I think the evidence for pain control is out there, agreed upon, and generally considered to be the standard of care. Sure, there are sub-par vets in existance, but I think they are a distinct minority.
Enjoy your pets!
In my opinion, painkillers are not an option. Pre-empting pain by giving pain medication before surgery helps recovery immensely. Pain meds after extensive (and maybe not so extensive) surgery is a given.
It's true pets react differently to pain that we do, but that doesn't mean they don't feel it the same way we do. And there are, in fact, very good studies showing how much better pets do when their pain is well controlled. So, yes, I agree.
There may be vets who do not understand the benefits of excellent pain control, but I hesitate to agree that there are "alot" of them. I think the evidence for pain control is out there, agreed upon, and generally considered to be the standard of care. Sure, there are sub-par vets in existance, but I think they are a distinct minority.
Enjoy your pets!
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