We all love our dogs. They snuggle with us, greet us like rock stars when we come home, and always seem to know when we need a little comfort. But let’s be honest—sometimes they open their mouths and… yikes. That breath could knock you over!
If you’ve ever leaned in for a kiss and changed your mind, you’re not alone. Bad breath in dogs is super common, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. In fact, stinky breath is often a sign that your pup’s mouth needs some help.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Most of the time, doggy halitosis is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, just like in humans. Bacteria collect along the gum line and, if left unchecked, can lead to dental disease. And while kibble alone doesn’t cut it when it comes to oral hygiene, the good news is there are some easy, dog-approved ways to help freshen things up.
3 Easy Ways to Freshen Your Dog’s Breath (That They’ll Actually Enjoy)
Here are a few tried-and-true products that can help reduce plaque, improve oral health, and make those puppy kisses much more pleasant:
1. Bully Sticks
Not just a tasty treat—bully sticks are great for your dog’s teeth. These all-natural chews help scrape away plaque as your dog gnaws, sort of like a toothbrush made of deliciousness. They’re also fully digestible, which makes them safer than some synthetic chews. Just be sure to supervise and choose the right size for your pup.
2. Milk Bone Brushing Chews
These clever little chews are shaped like a toothbrush for a reason. Milk Bone Brushing Chews are designed to clean like a brush and freshen like a mint. With daily use, they can help reduce tartar buildup and keep that doggy mouth a little less dragon-y. And dogs love the taste, so it feels like a treat, not a chore.
Product Available on Amazon
3. ProDen PlaqueOff
This one’s a little different—it’s a powder made from seaweed that you sprinkle on your dog’s food. Sounds weird, right? But it works. ProDen PlaqueOff helps break down existing plaque and prevents new buildup by tackling it at the source: your dog’s saliva. It’s odorless, tasteless (to dogs, anyway), and super easy to add to their daily routine.
Product Available on Amazon
A Happier, Fresher-Mouthed Pup
You don’t have to dread your dog’s kisses or avoid those close-up cuddles. With a few small changes—and some tasty additions to their day—you can help improve your pup’s oral health and keep their breath smelling a lot sweeter.
So why not give one (or all!) of these options a try? Your nose—and your dog—will thank you.
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also 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.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease that every pet owner (and really every person) needs to know about. A zoonotic disease is one that can be passed from animal to person, which is a reason why we need to be careful around our own animals and those that roam the neighborhood (and farm).
What animals can get rabies?
The most common animals to carry rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
Humans are more likely to get rabies from an infected bat than any other animal.
Livestock can also become infected by rabies.
Photo Courtesy of Canva
What are the signs of rabies?
Though most people assume that rabid animals are going to have erratic behavior, drool, and become aggressive, those aren’t the most common signs.
In fact, the signs of rabies are varied. Most commonly, animals may be acting quiet and depressed, though they also may act erratically.
Early signs are often just a change in behavior and temperament.
How is rabies transmitted from one animal to another?
Rabies is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, through his or her saliva.
The other animal or human will get rabies when the infected saliva gets into his or her system, though an open wound or fresh abrasion. It can also get in the mucous membranes or the eyes!
What should you do if you are bitten by any animal (whether you are worried about rabies)?
Any bite wound should be washed out with plenty of soap and water.
If you were bitten by a dog or a cat, you need to ask the owner to make sure that the pet is up-to-date on his or her rabies vaccine.
You should seek medical attention if needed.
If the owner can’t provide rabies information (or it is wild), you need to talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room. You may need treatment for rabies, just in case.
If you have the wild animal that bit you or a bat that was in the house with you, you should get it tested for rabies.
Photo Courtesy of Canva
What should you do if your dog or cat was bitten?
Many times, we don’t see what has gotten our dog or cat. We simply see the bite wound.
However, if you do see what got your animal, and it is another dog or cat, you need to make sure that that dog or cat is up-to-date with his or her rabies vaccine.
If it is a wild animal, you need to euthanize it and test it for rabies.
Your own pet should get his or her rabies vaccine updated, as a precaution. If it is overdue, you definitely need to get the rabies vaccine done as soon as possible.
Then, you need to confine your dog or cat for a few months. This is to watch for any signs of rabies. You shouldn’t handle your dog or cat during this time, because you don’t want to have to worry about getting any saliva on you.
How long you have to quarantine your pet depends on several factors. Plus, the rules are always changing. While most pets will die within ten days of getting symptoms, it can take a few months to show those symptoms! Check with your veterinarian for the latest protocols.
If your dog or cat shows any signs of disease, you need to get him or her checked out right away. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog is going to get aggressive right away. You may notice that he or she simply doesn’t feel good. Your dog or cat may not be eating as well as normal.
How can you protect your family (and pets)?
If you want to protect your family, you need to start with your pets. You need to make sure that your pet has a rabies vaccine. In fact, many states require both dogs and cats to have an up-to-date rabies vaccine.
You also want to use caution around wildlife. If an animal that is wondering outside looks sick, you need to stay away. Don’t let anyone in your family near it. Most likely, it will move on.
Photo Courtesy of Canva
Rabies is a serious disease and one that is very preventable! You can keep your family safe by vaccinating your pets and watching out for wildlife. However, if you or your pet gets bitten, you need to make sure that you get the medical attention that you need!
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Please note, this 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.
Ever feel stuck hunting for RACE‑approved CE that fits around your shifts, family life, or study schedule? As a busy vet tech, the struggle of juggling hands‑on work and license requirements is all too real. That’s exactly why I’ve grown to loveVETgirl CE—this platform delivers top-quality continuing education you can access anytime, anywhere.
Why It Works for Vet Techs Like Us
VETgirl offers a robust library of RACE-accredited courses, including live webinars, on-demand videos, podcasts, and blog-based quizzes—all tailored for vet techs and vets alike. Whether you’re commuting, grabbing a coffee, or sneaking in an educational break between patients, it fits seamlessly into your routine.
From clinical deep-dives in anesthesia, dermatology, and critical care to leadership and practice management tracks, their content covers real challenges we face daily. There’s also a certificate program offering 12–60 hours of credit, included with membership, perfect for techs who want to dive deeper into specific areas.
Insider Praise: Real Techs, Real Feedback
People rave about how practical and engaging the courses are. Techs describe VETgirl as “clinical CE that actually works with our time constraints” and appreciate how each session offers tangible takeaways for better patient care. The mix of formats—podcasts, webinars, quick blog posts—makes earning credits feel doable, even on the toughest days.
Fit It Into Your Learning Style
Prefer listening? Download a podcast while walking or commuting.
Want interaction? Join live webinars and earn CE in real time.
Short on time? On-demand videos and blog quizzes let you earn credits in minutes.
Why I Recommend It
It’s vet tech–focused, affordable, and clinically relevant—no fluff, just useful knowledge from experts in a format that respects your schedule. Whether your local hospital limits in-person CE or you simply want a flexible option you can access anytime, VETgirl keeps your learning going without burnout.
Ready to earn CE that actually fits your life? Take a peek at VETgirl’s ELITE membership—choose the plan that suits your pace, start with a free or trial webinar if they offer one, and see how it strengthens your confidence and skills on the floor.
Looking to join the community? Check out my affiliate link to help support my own journey of learning.Even better, you get ten percent off for your first year!
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also 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.
Have you ever watched your dog tremble during a thunderstorm, pant anxiously before car rides, or pace restlessly when you leave the house? It’s tough for both you and your pup when everyday situations trigger stress and discomfort. That’s where the ADAPTIL Calm On‑the‑Go Collar comes in.
The Adaptil collar is available in many places, including Amazon and Chewy.
Product Available on Amazon and Chewy.
Why It’s a Game-Changer
This isn’t a pill or sedative—it’s a lightweight collar infused with calming pheromones similar to those a mother dog naturally releases to soothe her puppies. Once the collar is warmed by your dog’s body heat, it gently diffuses into the air, creating a cozy sense of security. The best part? Dogs sense it, but humans and other pets don’t—making it a discreet and natural aid.
The collar works around the clock and can last up to a full month before replacement is needed. That means consistent help without daily application or plug-ins—perfect for busy pet parents or frequent travelers.
The Difference It Makes
Picture this: your dog, who used to shake or refuse to get in the car, walks in calmly and settles quietly. Thunderstorms once prompted frenzied hiding now pass without panic. Many pet owners notice this subtle but powerful change within a few days of starting to use the collar.
That calm transformation can be just what your pup needs during stressful events.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
The ADAPTIL collar isn’t a magic fix. Some dogs don’t respond, and a few may even become more anxious at first. While many see big improvements, results vary widely. To help it work best:
Fit it snugly—not so tight that it causes discomfort, but close enough to stay in place.
Leave it on continuously for up to 30 days—remove only for baths.
Combine with behavior training or environment adjustments to support bigger anxiety issues.
Why I Recommend It to Fellow Pet Owners
If you’re looking for a vet-approved, non-drug, easy-to-use solution to help your dog feel more at ease, this is a solid pick. No sprays, no diffusers—just strap it on and let it go to work. Whether your dog deals with occasional travel nerves or frequent separation anxiety, this collar brings gentle support when it’s needed most.
I’ve seen calmer car trips, less trembling during storms, and more confident behavior overall—not just in my Rosie, but in many pets whose owners share their success stories.
Are you Ready to Bring Some Calm to Your Pup?
If you’re hoping for a natural and vet-backed way to help your dog chill out during storms, be together at the vet, handle vet visits, or just feel safer when you’re out—you may want to give the ADAPTIL Calm On‑the‑Go Collar a try. Fit it properly, give it about a week, and watch for signs of serenity. Treat your pet to a little peace—because they deserve it.
In a nutshell, seeing your dog stressed during storms, vet visits, travel, or when you’re away is tough—and that’s exactly the kind of anxious behavior the ADAPTIL Calm On‑the‑Go Collar can help with. Here’s to calmer, more confident days ahead—with a happier pup by your side.
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
Whether you have made the decision to put your pet to sleep or he or she died suddenly while sleeping, getting over the death of a pet is never easy. It doesn’t even matter if you had him or her for five years or fifteen. You (and your family) need time to grieve.
Still struggling? Here are some tips that may help you cope with your loss.
Give yourself plenty of time.
Grief isn’t something that happens overnight. In fact, it can take months for some. It can also hit you like a ton of bricks once in a while, meaning that you may never get over your loss.
For this reason, you need to give yourself time to grieve and to feel the pain. If it takes you longer than most, that is how you cope. There is nothing wrong with that. Take all the time you need to process your feelings.
Don’t be afraid to show your emotions.
You will likely experience a range of emotions, from anger to sadness. You may face feelings of depression and may be asking if you did the right thing (if you had to make the decision to put your pet to sleep).
Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings. You don’t want to bottle them up, because this will only exacerbate the problem in the future.
Don’t forget about your other pets.
Just because you lost one of your pets doesn’t mean that you can forget about your other ones. In fact, many of them may also be grieving!
Pto Courtesy of Canva
You need to ensure that you spend plenty of time with them, giving them extra love and attention during this challenging time. They are going to need you as much as you need them while you are working your way through your grief!
Find a way to say goodbye.
Unlike people, we don’t hold a funeral or memorial services to help us say goodbye to those we love. However, if you think it would help, you may want to do something for your pet. Invite your friends and family over to spend a few hours remembering your beloved pet.
Don’t forget to move on.
Many people struggle to move on after their pet dies. They almost get stuck in their grief, which can be very detrimental to their lives. You need to find a way to move on with your life.
It may also be helpful to consult a professional.
Many people have no problem seeing a therapist if they lose someone who is very dear to them. However, doing the same when their pet dies may seem a little silly. That being said, it is much better to talk to someone, so that you don’t get stuck in your grief!
Photo Courtesy of Canva
When you lose your pet, it takes time to deal with your grief. However, if you don’t deal with it, you may find yourself struggling years later. You are allowed to feel everything that you do, from anger and sadness to utter depression.
That being said, you can’t forget about your other pets. They are likely to be going through the stages of grief also. Make sure to spend extra time with them, as they will also find ways to move on without their best friend.
You may also want to spend some time with your family and friends thinking about your beloved pet. They may miss your pet as much as you do, so this may help all of you say goodbye.
You should also not be afraid to seek help if you need it. You might not think anything of seeing a therapist if someone you loved died, but you may not want to do the same when your pet dies. However, it may really help you find a way to move on, while still remembering your beloved pet.
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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.
Getting a new puppy is always an exciting time. You are bringing a new bundle of joy into your life, one that should give you lots of love and happiness over the next few years.
In order to make sure that your new puppy stays as healthy and happy as possible, good veterinary care is essential. However, those expenses can quickly add up. Because of that, many people decide to get insurance for their new puppy. Others don’t want the extra expense.
Whether you decide to buy insurance for your new puppy may be a personal decision. To help you make the right decision for you and your family, here are some reasons why you may and may not want to get it!
Here are some reasons to buy insurance for your new puppy.
Some policies cover routine veterinary care, including vaccines, blood work, and medications to keep your new puppy healthy.
Many people find veterinary care to be extremely expensive, and that is just what is necessary to keep their dogs healthy. Many require distemper, Lyme, and rabies vaccines, along with medication to keep them free from heartworms, fleas, and ticks.
Annual examinations are also important. Your veterinarian will examine your dog every year to make sure that he or she is as healthy as possible. It is much easier (and cheaper) to treat problems at the beginning. If you wait, recovery is going to be much longer.
As your puppy gets older, you may want to consider routine blood work to ensure that all of his or her vital organs are working properly. Many problems, such as thyroid disease, can be treated, as long as they are found early. Even if your dog gets kidney disease, you may be able to help him or her feel better for longer. Otherwise, you may not know until it is too late to help.
Photo Courtesy of Canva
Most cover any accidents and illnesses.
If your puppy gets injured or sick, your veterinary bills may be even worse. Even an ear infection can cost a few hundred dollars, especially when you consider the medicine and follow-up care. If you have to visit a specialist or the emergency clinic, your bill may be in the thousands. You may need emergency surgery, although diagnostics can also be quite costly.
In fact, without insurance, you may not be able to afford the veterinary care that your new puppy deserves.
Many pets are euthanized every year because their owners are unable to pay for their veterinary care in the event of an emergency. For that reason alone, you should seriously consider getting insurance for your new puppy.
You and your family don’t deserve to be in the position where your puppy’s care comes down to how much you can really afford.
Essentially, insurance for your new puppy will provide you with peace of mind.
In fact, many pet owners choose to buy insurance so that they know their pet will always receive the necessary care, regardless of the cost. If you don’t want to worry about your finances when it comes to the health of your new puppy, you should look into insurance today!
Photo Courtesy of Canva
Here are some reasons you may hold off.
Many people don’t feel like pet insurance is worth the extra cost.
The most common reason why people don’t buy pet insurance is that they don’t understand its worth. All they see is that they will owe money every month, which they may not be able to recoup.
In fact, some plans can be quite expensive because they are more comprehensive and offer higher coverage. They may pay up to eighty percent of the bill, without a deductible. Others are cheaper, but you are still expected to pay fifty percent of the bill. You might wonder if it is worth the extra cost if you still have to pay at least one hundred dollars every time you go to the veterinarian.
They may not be eligible for certain insurance plans and coverage.
It can be hard to choose the right policy. Many plans don’t cover certain breeds. Others won’t cover certain diseases, some of which may be common for the type of puppy you just bought. If you wait, you may not be able to find an affordable plan for your older dog.
Many people give up when they decide to buy insurance. They see too many regulations for too much money, so they just don’t even bother.
If you do decide to get insurance, when is the best time to get it?
Here are some factors to consider when determining when to get pet insurance.
The best time is when he or she is young.
Many breeders and veterinarians recommend insurance when you first get your new puppy. This ensures that all the routine vaccinations, examinations, and medications are covered. It will also cover any accidents or illnesses that occur throughout his or her life. If your puppy develops a chronic disease, its medical bills should be covered.
If you wait until the day that you need it, insurance will not cover it.
Just like people, many insurances won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Not only does this include emergency surgery on the day that you get the policy, but it may not cover any ear medication for a dog with regular ear problems. It may not cover insulin for patients who have already been diagnosed. If your pet is older, it may not cover all the diagnostics and treatments you may want to perform to help with arthritis and other common issues in older dogs. If it does, it might cost more than you expected to pay.
Photo Courtesy of Canva
When buying a new puppy, it is important that he or she gets the medical care required to ensure that he or she is as healthy as possible.
If you are not interested in pet insurance, Pet Cube offers an emergency fund program that will help pet parents in case of an emergency. When your pet is dealing with a serious issue, their emergency fund will enable you to see a vet within four hours, and they may cover up to $3,000, allowing you to focus on your pet’s recovery.
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also 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.
If your pet is older, you may be starting to face the reality that they aren’t getting any younger. You may even be facing the realization that your pet has a disease that isn’t going to get better. He or she may not be living the best life anymore, and you may be considering making a decision.
Once you decide to euthanize your pet, you may be wondering what happens next. There may be some things you need to consider as well.
Are you already facing the decision? Here are some tips to help you through the euthanasia process.
It is important to make the decision and stick to it.
Many pets seem to have a really good day, as soon as you decide that it is time to put him or her to sleep. Let your pet enjoy that day, but don’t put it off too long. He or she may get even worse when the good day ends.
If you’re struggling with the decision, you may want to read my article, ‘Is It Time to Say Goodbye.’ If you want to check it out, you can read it right here.
Figure out what you want to do with your pet’s body.
Not only do you need to make the decision, but you also need to determine what to do next. Burying your pet in your backyard may not be an option for you, depending on your life situation, so most clinics offer cremation services.
You may choose to get your pet’s ashes back, though you may also decide not to. This may come down to cost; however, you may also need to decide what to do with your pet’s ashes. Do you want to share them with someone or keep them with you safely?
Let everyone say goodbye.
You want to make sure that everyone gets a chance to say goodbye before you go to the veterinarian’s office. Some of your family and friends may want a chance to come over and say goodbye before it happens.
Decide who needs to be there.
At the veterinarian’s office, we see it all. There are some pets who only have me by their side during the process, while others bring their whole families. You have to decide who you want in the room when your pet goes to sleep.
If you are single, you may not want to be alone. Don’t be afraid to ask a family member or friend to go with you. If you have a spouse, he or she may also want to be there, even if your spouse has to take off work. If you have children, you may need to decide whether you want them to be there or not.
Our veterinarian uses a sedative prior to giving the euthanasia solution.
This allows the pet to fully relax before administering the medication to put them to sleep. Some people only stay until their pet is sleeping before they leave. Many people with children allow them to be present until it is time to give the actual medication.
Photo Courtesy of Canva
Making the decision to end your pet’s suffering can be very difficult. You may want to have a frank conversation with your veterinarian to see where everything stands. He or she may be able to give you some more time with your pet or help you come to the realization that it may be time.
Then, you need to give yourself time to say goodbye. Don’t forget to consider any family or friends who may also want to spend some time with your pet. You may also have to decide who you want to be with you. Many people have to think long and hard about whether they want their children around. This is a very personal decision, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It may also depend on your children. Some may want to be there, while others may not.
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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.
As pet parents, we want the best for our beloved pets. You want them to live their best life. You may also want your pet to live forever. That being said, we all know that eventually we are going to have to say goodbye to our beloved pet.
Even worse, you may be waiting for your pet to go on his or her own, only to have to make the decision to put him or her to sleep. It can be a very hard decision to make, and one that shouldn’t be made lightly.
Unsure about what to do? Here are some things to consider when determining if it is the right time to put your pet to sleep.
Does your pet have a terminal illness?
If your pet has a terminal illness, and you don’t feel like he or she has a good quality of life anymore, it may be the right time.
However, an illness doesn’t always mean that you have to put your pet to sleep. He or she may be able to have a decent quality of life for a few weeks or even months, so that shouldn’t be your only determining factor. Many veterinarians will prescribe some medications to keep your pet as comfortable as possible while you decide what you want to do. Some would rather try to medicate than simply give up.
Can you afford to treat your pet?
As a veterinary professional, I often find that this comes down to money. If your pet needs to have an operation that you can’t afford, you might have to make the painful decision to put him or her down. That being said, your veterinarian may be able to offer you some alternatives, so that is not your only option.
Is your pet eating and enjoying life?
At my practice, we always look at the pet’s quality of life. If they are still eating and seem to be enjoying life, there is no reason to euthanize them. However, once they stop eating, moving around, and trying to play, you can see that your pet is suffering and isn’t happy.
Photo Courtesy of Canva
Does he or she seem to be happy?
Many people feel like they need to put their pets to sleep when they start to slow down. They may have trouble getting up and tend to move more slowly than they used to. However, they still enjoy going outside to go to the bathroom and spending time with you. There are many medications that can help keep your pet comfortable, even as they age.
Is your pet losing weight?
Many pets have digestive problems which cause them to lose weight, no matter how much they eat. Their bodies are starving due to a lack of nutrition. No matter what you try, you can’t get these patients back to eating and gaining weight. You can tell that they are suffering as they quickly drop pounds every week.
Is your pet’s quality of life affecting your family?
There will be times when you have to make a decision, simply because it is affecting you too much. You may be overwhelmed by the extra care that your dog or cat needs at the moment. Your friends and family may complain that your home smells like cat urine because your cat goes all over your home.
You may not be sleeping at night because you are so worried about your pet. You may notice that your children are struggling and unhappy. Likewise, you may find yourself fighting with your spouse, simply because everyone is so wound up in your home. There is nothing wrong with making a decision based on your family’s happiness.
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If you are contemplating euthanasia, you should always talk to your veterinarian first. He or she may be able to offer some ideas to help you keep your pet going as long as possible. However, you can be honest with your veterinarian. If you are struggling to care for your pet at home, it may be time to consider euthanasia. Your health (and your family’s) is also important.
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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.
It can be challenging to determine when it’s time to visit the veterinarian. Dogs and cats vomit once in a while, and it isn’t always a big deal. However, there are times when you should rush your pet to the hospital, as they may be facing a serious issue.
Here are some common signs that may indicate an emergency for your pet.
Eye problems
Uncontrolled vomiting
Diarrhea, especially with blood in it
Bloated or swollen abdomen
Pain when you touch his or her abdomen
Unable to urinate or defecate
Loss of balance and struggling to walk
Possible broken bones
A wound that is bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding
Dilated pupils
Sudden blindness
Unconsciousness
Seizures
Hit by a car
Ate something poisonous or even just something that he or she shouldn’t have
Unable to deliver babies
If your pet is experiencing any of the above issues, be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as possible. However, that being said, if your veterinarian refers you to the nearest specialist or emergency veterinary hospital, you should listen. Your pet may require more specialized care than your regular veterinarian can provide, such as fluid therapy and overnight monitoring.
So, what should you do to prepare for any emergencies that you may face? Here are some things to consider before facing a problem that requires immediate medical attention.
It’s essential to establish a relationship with your veterinarian before any issues arise.
A veterinarian will be more likely to see you if you have taken your pets to him or her before. You shouldn’t wait until you desperately need a veterinarian to call around to find one.
Photo Courtesy of Canva
You also need to know the location of the closest emergency clinic.
You don’t want to have to struggle to find a place to take your pet if he or she gets sick on the weekend or in the middle of the night. If your pet starts seizing, you are going to want to have a plan in place for where to go.
It might also be good to have a muzzle that fits your dog.
If your dog becomes painful, he or she may try to bite anyone in the way, so a muzzle may be the safest option for everyone.
Having the Animal Poison Control Center’s phone number handy could be helpful.
If your dog has ingested chocolate or medication, you can call this number to determine the next steps. This being said, you need to know how much your pet weighs and how much he or she ate. It may be a good idea to have the bag nearby when you make the call.
You also should have some money set aside in case your pet has an emergency.
You could be looking at a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the circumstances. You may want to sign up for Care Credit (as long as your veterinarian and the emergency clinic allow it for payments).
Photo Courtesy of Canva
It can be truly frightening when your cat or dog experiences a medical emergency. Instead of panicking, you need to have a plan in place. Know what veterinarian to call or emergency clinic to visit, no matter what time of day or night it is.
You may also want to think about how you can afford an emergency. It may be a good idea to have some spare cash set aside for emergencies. You may also want to consider financing, so that you don’t have to make financial decisions. Find out if your vet and the emergency clinic have Care Credit and get approved before you face a huge bill!
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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.
If you have read any of my other articles, you may have noticed that I have a lot to say about the veterinary world. I work very hard every day to help clients give their pets the best life possible, and it can be upsetting to hear some of the things said about us, especially when it comes to finances.
Money can be a touchy subject, especially when it comes down to taking care of your pet. You emotionally want to do whatever you can, although you may not have the funds to do so.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind regarding finances and veterinary medicine.
Although we hear it all the time, veterinary medicine is not more expensive than your own healthcare.
The truth is that without health insurance, you would be amazed at how much it costs to go to the doctor, let alone spend time in the hospital or have surgery.
In fact, we should really charge more than we do.
Veterinary medicine is a business, and we need to generate sufficient revenue to thrive. We are constantly purchasing medications, in addition to covering our rent (or mortgage) and all the other supplies necessary to keep our office open.
We are barely getting paid what we are worth.
Veterinarians graduate from veterinary school with as much debt as your own doctor, yet we don’t earn as much money as they do. Technicians and receptionists barely make enough to make ends meet. In fact, many of them have to work two or three jobs in order to survive.
Nobody is in the business of veterinary medicine in order to make money! Please repeat this. We aren’t making as much money as you think.
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That being said, we all wish that we could give away everything!
When your pets aren’t feeling well, we want to help you as much as possible. However, we simply can’t give everything away.
If we did this with every patient that walked in the door (or even one or two a day), it would significantly hurt the practice.
Do not take advantage of your veterinarian’s good graces.
For this reason, you should never ask for discounts or see what you can get for free! Too many veterinarians will try to go above and beyond what they should in order to help you as much as possible.
In fact, please let us know about your financial concerns before we begin.
If we know that you have a budget, we will do our best to get as much “bang for your buck.” If we believe that one test is more important than the others (even though you need them all to receive the best diagnosis), we will suggest that one if we know you can only afford to do one.
If we are considering expensive medications, we may be able to find something more affordable within your price range. We may even have some medications that were donated to us that you may be able to use.
We also want to assure you that there are no kickbacks for recommending specific food brands.
We want to ensure that your pet has a good chance of leading a healthy life, so we recommend the brands of food that have shown good results, without the worry of recalls. If we do sell food, we aren’t making a lot of money off of it. We try to pass the savings off to you, so the profit margins on food are pretty slim.
The same could be said about preventative medicine.
We recommend heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives because we have seen the consequences of a patient contracting heartworms or succumbing to a disease transmitted by fleas and ticks. To encourage you to continue purchasing the medication, we maintain a very low profit margin. We just want to ensure that your pet lives a long, healthy life.
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Discussing finances can be the most challenging aspect of being in veterinary medicine. We know how tight money is. Most of us live paycheck to paycheck. Some even have to work more than the recommended forty hours a week or take on another job to keep a roof over their head and food on the table.
For this reason, please don’t comment that we don’t care about your pet and only worry about the money. It is simply not true. If we could afford to give everything away, we would! We barely break even on medications and food. We just want to ensure that they receive the care they deserve.
Instead, let us know if you have concerns about your finances. It is much better to know how much you have to spend, then figure out how you are going to pay for it after it is all done. We may be able to identify the most important factors that could still help us obtain a decent diagnosis.
Maybe instead of complaining, you should just thank them. It goes a long way to making us feel better and allows us to keep going.
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Can’t get enough? You can catch up on the rest of the series right here!
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.
