Ever wonder if you drive your vet crazy? We wondered too, so we asked the nice people over at Trupanion what vets’ biggest pet peeves were. Denise Petryk, DVM, director of veterinary services at Trupanion, and Dr. Steve Weinrauch, director of veterinary direct pay at Trupanion, listed the following veterinarian pet peeves.
#1 – Not prepared for the responsibility of pet ownership
Dog owners sometimes fail to be prepared for the responsibility of pet ownership. Before bringing home a pet, do your homework regarding breed, size, exercise requirements, cost of veterinary care and the benefit of medical insurance for your pet.
#2 – Using Google as a vet
Some pet owners trust the internet over consulting their veterinarian. I’ve seen too many pets come to the veterinarian’s office too late because Google said their dog would be fine. If you notice something is wrong, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They know you and your dog best. The worst 3 words in veterinary medicine are “let’s just wait.”
Related: Man Creates The First AI Powered Veterinarian
#3 – Won’t pay for vet care
When pet owners spend a lot of money on doggie clothes, daycare, beds, and toys and then complain about the reasonable costs of veterinary care. One time a client told me, “I already spent $2,000 buying the dog, I can’t afford anything else.”
#4 – Waiting too long to seek help
It’s so frustrating when a pet owner finally arrives at the ER with a dog that is nearly dead, then goes on to tell vet staff how they stayed up all night watching the dog vomit and have diarrhea. In the past I’ve heard, “He only vomits two or three times a day.” How many times a day do you vomit? Please go to the veterinarian sooner rather than later!
#5 – Forgets to tell vet staff that their dog bites
After the dog snaps at a staff member and nearly bites off a finger, the owner mentions how their dog almost always tries to bite strangers— especially veterinary-related strangers.
#6 – Having to handle the owner to handle the dog
When small dog owners hold their dog very, very, very close to their bosom and, when the vet asks to examine the dog, they literally have to pry the dog away from that bosom. There is no way to avoid being inappropriate!
#7 – Children running wild
Dog owners sometimes allow their children to crawl up on the exam table while the owner and veterinarian are down on the floor working on the dog. Yikes! Please discipline your kids and/or bring someone to watch the kids while the vet staff is taking care of the dog!
#8 – Not listening
Another pet peeve: when a pet owner asks you a question and then doesn’t let the professionals talk, but instead tells them all about Dr. Google’s advice. When asking a veterinarian a question, listen to their perspective! They usually know what they’re talking about. For example, a client once asked me, “You know that dogs originated from wolves, right?” Lovely. When you bring in a wolf, let’s revisit this conversation, but for now, let’s chat about your Pug.
#9 – Person who brings the dog in knows nothing about the dog
When one family member comes in with the sick pet and knows nothing about said dog. Diet? Exercise? The last time the dog vomited? Then the family member that knows everything is not available on the phone and the unknowing family member will not allow any diagnostic testing.
#10 – Cell phone use
When pet owners take telephone calls while you are in the middle of a sentence! It happens.
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