As I mentioned earlier, the response to my first piece, “Things Vet Techs (and Vets) Are Tired of Hearing,” was overwhelming. It was something that I never expected. I shared it with other veterinary professionals on Facebook, and they were quick to share things that they were tired of hearing.
Due to their overwhelming response, I felt compelled to write more. So, here are even more things that veterinary technicians (and veterinarians) are tired of hearing.
I paid a significant amount of money for their dog, so they don’t have any money for preventive care.
There is no doubt that it is expensive to own a puppy. You must bring your pet in every three to four weeks for vaccines until they are sixteen weeks old. Then, you need to spay or neuter your puppy at the right time. This can cost a few hundred dollars.
They also get mad because their expensive dog has problems.
People also get upset when their purebred, expensive dogs get problems that can be costly to fix. This may include allergies, which can cause skin problems, ear infections, and much more. Some dogs struggle with breathing issues and eye issues, which are common for their breed.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. Many puppies and young dogs get into things that they shouldn’t, which could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and may even require surgery due to a foreign body. All of this can really add up.
Their “free” kittens aren’t really free.
Just like puppies need vaccines regularly until they are a few months old, free kittens need the same. It is also a good idea to test any new kittens for feline leukemia and FIV. They also need to be dewormed to ensure they are as healthy as possible. Often, they may struggle with an upper respiratory infection, which can require medication for a few months to help them improve.
You don’t know what’s wrong with my pet!
This is commonly said when a client refuses to undergo diagnostics to determine what is wrong with their pet, yet we are supposed to know what is wrong. Sometimes, this is even asked over the phone!
They can’t (or won’t) spend any money on X-rays or blood work, and we are supposed to be able to determine what is wrong with a simple examination. There are times when it can be that simple, but there are also times when having more information makes it easier to treat.
My pet isn’t better yet.
Their pets may have been vomiting and having diarrhea for weeks. They won’t let you do any diagnostics, and one dose of medication doesn’t help. Because of this, we are incompetent.
We may even perform diagnostics and treat the pet, but a single dose isn’t going to be enough. Their pet may require a few treatments before it can start to show improvement.
Then, there are the clients who stop the medications as soon as their pet is better. Instead of taking the medication for the recommended two weeks (or however long it was prescribed), they stop it as soon as their pet acts normal again. Then, they are surprised when the symptoms return.
I truly love my job, but the past two years have really tested my patience. Not only do I have to deal with pets that can be challenging to care for, but the clients are also pretty hard to please.
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Can’t get enough? Catch up on the other parts right here!
The original: Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing
The second part: More Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing
The third part: Even More Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing
The last one (I think): Some More Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing
This series was so popular, I started a second one. You can check up on them here!
The original: Things Vet Techs (and Vets) Want Pet Owners To Know
The second part: More Things Vet Techs (and Vets) Want Pet Owners To Know
The third part: Even More Things Vet Techs (and Vets) Want Pet Owners To Know
Followed by: Choose the Right Pet
The last one: We Don’t Want To Talk About Money
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Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.