More Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Want Pet Owners to Know

I recently wrote an article that was pretty popular. If you haven't had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

However, as I went through all of the things that I want to get out there, I can't just write one article. It may turn into another big series that I need to write! 

So, what are some more things that vet techs (and vets) want all pet owners to know? Here are several more for you to ponder. 

Any time that you have a concern, you really need to consult your veterinarian first. Your veterinarian and his or her team are here to help. Please note that I said the veterinary team. You should feel comfortable talking to anyone on the team. 

Even if you need to talk directly to the veterinarian, take the time to talk to his or her support staff first. You may be surprised by how many questions they can easily answer without having to ask the veterinarian. They may also be able to give him or her a message and get back to you with the answer, instead of taking your veterinarian's precious time. 

Look to your veterinary office first. In the new age of the internet and social media, Dr. Google and Facebook friends are quick to offer plenty of advice. Some of that information might not be right at all! 

Though it might be helpful to hear some hopeful news from someone that you know, his or her pet is not yours, and your pet may or may not need the same treatment. In fact, it may do more harm than good, so before you go on following the advice of someone else, make sure that it is approved by your veterinarian. 

Be honest with your veterinarian. Though you may be embarrassed by how long your dog or cat hasn't been feeling well, we can't help you if we don't know the extent. Also, if you were given medicine, you need to let us know if you have missed any doses or even if you can't get it into your cat at all! Otherwise, we might be wondering why the medicine isn't working!

This even goes for illegal substances! It is going to be much easier for us if you tell us that your dog or cat got into your cigarettes or drugs. We are going to figure it out eventually, but it will go a whole lot smoother (and quicker) if we know what we are up against. We don't have to tell anyone, but we can't treat your pet if we have no idea what is going on. 

You also need to ask questions. If you are unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask questions. That is what your veterinary team is for. If you are struggling to get the medications in, ask them for any helpful tips. If you don't understand what condition your pet is dealing with, ask for more information. They may also be able to give you a good website where you can do your own research when you are home, and everything has sunk in. 

You also need to make your own expectations clear. Listen to what your veterinarian is saying, but then you have to make the right decision for you. If your pet needs to have medication given multiple times a day, and you don't think you can do that, let them know. They might be able to give you something that may not work as well, but it only needs to be done once a day. 

If you are unable to afford the diagnostics and treatment plan that your veterinarian thinks is best, you need to let him or her know. When we know what we are dealing with, we can work with you to make sure that your pet gets some relief! 

As a vet tech who works closely with a veterinarian, we just want the best for your pet. We want to help you as much as we are able, so be sure to reach out when you need us. Don't always assume everything Dr. Google and your Facebook friends know everything. We have years of experience and the knowledge to help. 

That being said, we need you to be honest with us. Let us know how long the problem has really been going on. Let us know that you haven't followed our recommendations. Though it is hard to hear, we need to know that you can't give the medications, and that is why your pet isn't getting better (and it is not something that we did wrong)! 

Also, you shouldn't be afraid to ask questions or let us know what you expect. If you can't afford diagnostics, we may be able to try a medication to see if we can help your pet. Don't tell us that you can't afford blood work after it has already been run!

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Previously published on Medium and/or Newsbreak.