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  • Why You Should Use An Ethical Breeder

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    I recently wrote an article entitled Yes, You CAN Get a Puppy If You Want One. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

    The comments, especially from other veterinary professionals, weren’t very nice. They ripped me apart, both in terms of the topic and the writing style. I was pretty upset about all the comments I received, since I was just trying to write a piece to help people not feel bad if they genuinely wanted a puppy.

    One of the main concerns about the article was that it didn’t address the issue of ethical breeding versus backyard breeding at all. For this reason, I have decided to write what ethical breeding really is.

    So, what is ethical breeding?

    Ethical breeders are ALL about the breed. 

    They want to preserve the breed so that they will breed only the best representatives of the breed. They will even go above and beyond, conducting health testing to ensure that they are selling the highest quality and healthiest animals possible.

    This may include OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing. They have a database of tests that can be run to make sure that puppies will be less likely to have genetic problems (such as hip dysplasia).

    They may also request that you visit their home or kennel before picking a puppy. 

    You will want to ensure that the puppies appear healthy, happy, and clean. Are they active and playing around? Are they a good weight and look solid? Does the mother look delighted to be with them? You can tell a lot about a breeder by looking at their moms and puppies.

    That being said, during COVID, more and more people did visits like this over Zoom. If the breeder isn’t close to you, you can request a visit online so that you can still take a look at the breeder’s setup and how their animals look.

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    They will require a contract to ensure that their puppies get taken care of. 

    They may ask you what you are planning to do with your dog. The breeder may require you to spay or neuter your pet at a certain age. They may also ask that you return the dog to you if anything happens. Regardless of the dog’s age, owners would prefer to take them back rather than have the dog end up in a shelter.

    Ethical breeders want the best for their puppies. 

    This includes ensuring that they receive the socialization they need to raise healthy and confident dogs. They work with their puppies on socialization and training to ensure that they are ready to be homed.

    Because they do so much with their puppies, they have a good idea of what each puppy will need.

    Good, ethical breeders match puppies with families. You don’t get to choose a puppy. You let the breeder know what you are looking for (show, pet, working, etc.) and they will figure out which puppy will best fit your lifestyle. If you are active and prefer the outdoors, they will ensure that you get a puppy that is confident and playful. If you are looking for a companion to sit beside you, they will help you find the right dog for you. If you have little ones, they will choose a puppy that they think will handle your children.

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    Ethical breeders are all ABOUT the breed. They are going to choose the best parents to ensure that their puppies are of high quality and are able to do what they were bred for. They spend a lot of time with their puppies and will do what they can to ensure they are properly socialized. They will also help you choose the right puppy for you, rather than allowing you to choose one that you want. Not only that, but they are happy to match puppies with the right family.

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    Please note, 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. 

  • Vet Techs: Earn CE on the Go with VETgirl’s Flexible Courses

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    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 love VETgirl 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. 

  • Reasons Your Dog Needs Vaccines

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    Vaccinations have become quite controversial in recent years. Increasingly, parents aren’t vaccinating their children, despite their pediatrician’s recommendations. And the whole country is in a state of uncertainty about the new Coronavirus vaccine that has been released. Many are rushing to get protected, while others are simply unsure about it yet.

    This also leads owners to question whether their pets need to be vaccinated. This is even more true with pet owners who have seen a vaccine reaction in their dog. Though it can be a simple puffy face, the truth is that vaccines can sometimes cause a serious problem. Others simply don’t want to worry about vaccinating their dog because they don’t want to spend the extra money.

    However, not vaccinating your dog can be a big mistake. Here are some reasons why your dog should be vaccinated.

    It is the law

    All states require both dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. This disease can be spread to humans, which is why it is the law. In fact, you could find yourself in a lot of legal trouble if your dog hasn’t had a rabies shot.

    You should protect yourself and your entire family

    The truth is that dogs can pass certain diseases onto people. These are called zoonotic diseases.

    Simple vaccinations can help prevent the spread of certain diseases, such as Rabies. Leptospirosis is another such disease. It can cause kidney and liver problems in both dogs and people. To protect yourself and your family, consider vaccinating your dogs.

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    And your dog

    Vaccines were developed to protect dogs from certain diseases that are easily passed from one dog to another. The distemper shot, also known as a DHPP, alone covers Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.

    Ask any veterinarian that you know, and these diseases have not been commonly seen for the past few years. However, as more people decide not to vaccinate their dogs, we are seeing a rise in various diseases, some of which can be highly infectious. Some are even fatal.

    Vaccines will also protect other dogs.

    While your own family and dog should be the most important to you, the truth is that, by vaccinating your dog, you are helping to protect other dogs too!

    You should think about all the dogs that aren’t healthy enough to be vaccinated, as well as those that aren’t vaccinated for any number of reasons. You wouldn’t want your dog to catch any disease, simply because you didn’t vaccinate him or her.

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    It’s not just about the vaccines

    When you take your dog to the veterinarian for his or her vaccines, you should realize that it is not only about the vaccines. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to ensure your dog’s health. This is also a good opportunity to identify and address any issues early. It is also much easier to treat problems before they get even worse (and become more expensive to treat).

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    If you are undecided about whether to vaccinate your dog, it is essential to understand the reasons why vaccination is beneficial. You need to protect yourself and your family against diseases that can be spread to you, such as Rabies and Leptospirosis.

    You should also think about your dog. Not only that, but you don’t want him or her to get some diseases, just because you didn’t get him or her vaccinated. It is also essential to consider the examination that accompanies the vaccines. You need to make sure that your dog is as healthy as possible.

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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 get in touch with a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Reasons to Spay and Neuter Your Pet

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    When you get a new puppy or kitten, there are a lot of veterinary visits that you may or may not have expected. He or she will need to have vaccines every three to four weeks, until your puppy or kitten is over sixteen weeks of age. If you get him or her later in life, your puppy or kitten will need at least two sets of vaccines in order to be fully protected.

    However, that is not all. Then, when your pet is the proper age, it is time to think about getting him or her fixed. Although you may not want to do this, there are several compelling reasons why you should.

    Here are some reasons why you should spay your cats and dogs.

    Spaying that is completed before a cat or dog has had a heat cycle dramatically reduces their risk of breast tumors. 

    These tumors can be cancerous. In fact, around ninety percent of breast tumors in cats are cancerous, while the number for dogs is closer to forty percent.

    Heat cycles in dogs can be messy, as they often involve a significant amount of bloody discharge. 

    Though many dogs take extra care cleaning up after themselves, the truth is that if you have a dog in heat, you are going to be cleaning up spots of blood throughout your home.

    Cats in heat can exhibit odd behavior, such as howling and rolling around. 

    They are usually very vocal and can completely change their regular behavior. They can go in and out of heat every few weeks, so this can occur often.

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    Spaying prevents a life-threatening disease called a pyometra. 

    This hormonally induced disease of the uterus causes the uterus to fill with infection. The only way to cure this disease is to spay your pet. However, it isn’t ideal because your dog or cat won’t be feeling well to begin with. She will need intravenous fluids and extra care after her procedure to make sure that she makes a full recovery. If not treated (or if you wait too late), it could be deadly.

    Spaying prevents unintended pregnancies. 

    There are too many unwanted animals, and every litter of puppies and kittens just adds to this. It also cuts back on the overpopulation of pets. Too many animals are euthanized daily due to overpopulation. If you want to make sure that you don’t have a surprise pregnancy, you should spay your pet as soon as she is ready for it.

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    Here are some reasons why you should neuter your cats and dogs.

    Dogs that aren’t neutered tend to mark things by urinating on them. 

    This can be trees, bushes, your furniture, and even you!

    Unneutered male cats develop an offensive urine odor. 

    This smell can be quite strong, and your entire home can be overcome by this smell.

    Dogs and cats that aren’t neutered are more likely to fight. 

    Male dogs and cats are typically more aggressive and will fight others.

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    They can even be more aggressive with you. 

    Some dogs can be hard to handle when they are not neutered.

    Unneutered animals are more likely to roam, looking for a female in heat. 

    They are more likely to get lost, as well as get hit by a car, because they are too worried about looking for a female.

    These dogs are at an increased risk for prostate enlargement, prostate inflammation, anal tumors, and testicle tumors. 

    That being said, it doesn’t prevent prostate cancer.

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    The most common reason why people don’t spay or neuter their pet is due to the worry that their pet will gain weight after. However, that is not what causes them to become heavy. In fact, it is overfeeding, as well as a decrease in activity. Many cats and dogs slow down once they are about a year old, which makes them gain weight shortly after they are fixed.

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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. 

  • Cat Water Fountain Benefits (and Why I Won’t Go Back)

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    Worried your cat isn’t drinking enough water? You’re definitely not alone. A lot of cat parents deal with this—especially since many cats are surprisingly picky about how they hydrate. Still water in a regular bowl often doesn’t cut it. And when cats don’t get enough moisture, it can lead to dehydration, urinary tract issues, or even kidney problems over time. It’s one of those sneaky little health concerns that can go unnoticed—until it turns into a vet visit.

    That’s where a cat fountain can make a big difference. Instead of stagnant water sitting in a bowl all day, a fountain keeps it moving and fresh—just the way most cats prefer. The gentle stream mimics running water in nature, which cats are naturally drawn to. It’s like flipping a switch: suddenly your cat is way more interested in drinking regularly, and you can feel better knowing they’re staying hydrated.

    Fountains also come with built-in filters that help remove impurities, hair, and debris, so the water not only looks cleaner—it is cleaner. And if your cat is a bit of a water snob (most are), that fresh taste can be the thing that finally encourages them to drink more throughout the day.

    Another bonus? They’re surprisingly low-maintenance. Most models only need to be topped off every few days and cleaned weekly. Some even come with dishwasher-safe parts to make things easier. No more constant bowl refills or wondering when your cat last drank.

    Product Available on Pet Cube

    If your cat turns up their nose at their water bowl, or you’re simply looking for an easy upgrade to support their long-term health, a fountain might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. It’s one of those small switches that can have a big impact—and your cat will thank you (probably by drinking more and knocking fewer cups off the table). Hydrated cat = happy cat.

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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. 

  • Heatstroke in Dogs: It Can Be Serious!

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    Just like with people, dogs can struggle with the heat. They can overheat and get heatstroke, which can be deadly to them! For this reason, you need to understand what heatstroke is and how you can prevent it. You also need to know the signs that you should look for, as well as what you can do if your dog overheats or you find yourself dealing with a dog with heatstroke.

    So, what is heatstroke?

    Heatstroke is a condition that dogs get when they are outside in the heat and their bodies can’t find a way to cool off. Though they may sweat a little through their paws, there are times when panting isn’t enough to cool them down!

    Once a dog’s body temperature is one hundred and five degrees (or higher), they start to suffer from heatstroke. This can damage their organs and make them sick. Their organs may start to shut down, and it can be fatal!

    What are the signs of heatstroke?

    I recently wrote an article about overheating in dogs. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

    Basically, here are the signs that you need to keep an eye out for.

    • Heavy panting, which can turn into heavy breathing
    • Drooling
    • Increased heart rate
    • Vomiting and diarrhea (with or without blood)
    • Disorientation
    • Lethargy
    • Weakness
    • Seizures
    • Death
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    What are some causes of heatstroke?

    The simple truth is that there are certain characteristics which make certain dogs more likely to suffer from heatstroke. This can be:

    • Age. Younger puppies and older dogs struggle more with the heat than adult dogs.
    • Breed. Certain breeds are more likely to suffer from heatstroke. This includes breeds with thick fur, as well as dogs that struggle to breathe on a regular day due to their flat face.
    • Being overweight. Overweight dogs are going to struggle with the heat more than dogs that are at a healthy weight.
    • Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and laryngeal paralysis can make it harder for dogs to deal with the heat.

    That being said, any dog can suffer from heatstroke for the following reasons:

    • Not having enough water. Dogs can get overheated if they don’t have enough water to stay hydrated during hot summer days.
    • Spending too much time in the hot sun. Just like us, dogs need time out of the direct sunlight, whether they hang out in the shade or they spend time indoors in the air conditioning.
    • Exercising during the hottest part of the day. You may need to stop taking long walks with your dog when the temperature is too hot.
    • Leaving a dog in the hot car. Too many dogs get left in a hot car and suffer from overheating due to it!
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    What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?

    When a dog first becomes overheated, heat exhaustion can set in. Dogs can be lethargic and weak. They may have vomiting and diarrhea. Their body temperature may be normal at this stage of overheating.

    However, if left untreated, it can turn into heatstroke. When this happens, your dog’s body temperature can rise. His or her body organs may start to shut down, and your dog may become unconscious and die.

    How does your veterinarian diagnose heatstroke?

    Heatstroke is often diagnosed by taking a dog’s temperature and observing the clinical signs. Your veterinarian will do a physical examination to make sure that your dog is doing alright.

    Your veterinarian may also request blood work in order to see how your pet’s organs are doing. You want to make sure that the organs haven’t been damaged due to heatstroke.

    What is the treatment for heatstroke?

    The first thing that needs to be done is to get your dog’s temperature down. 

    This means getting him or her out of the hot sun. You may want to take him or her in the air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning, you may want to use a fan to help him or her cool down.

    Spraying or wetting your dog may help to cool him or her off. 

    You are going to want to use cool water (not cold) in order to help him or her cool down.

    Make sure that you seek veterinary care. 

    Once your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with heatstroke, he or she will come up with a plan to help. He or she may recommend hospitalization, fluids, and medications, depending on your dog’s condition.

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    Heatstroke can be a fatal disease that your dog can get from being outside in the hot sun for too long! Because of this, you need to be careful with your dog (and yourself). Make sure that you and your dog have a way to get out of the hot sun and, during the hottest part of the day, you may want to stay inside in the air conditioning.

    If your dog is showing signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, you need to get him or her cooled down. You should look for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and even disorientation. However, you don’t want to cool him or her off too quickly! Make sure that you seek veterinary care so that your dog has the best chance of living a long and healthy life.

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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. 

  • Signs Of Emergencies in Pets

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    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.

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    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).

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    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. 

  • Why Do Indoor Cats REALLY Need to Be Vaccinated For Rabies?

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    Rabies is a disease that is highly contagious to all mammals. Humans are also susceptible to the disease. Even worse, it is almost one hundred percent fatal, once clinical signs develop.

    Luckily, it is entirely preventable with a simple vaccine you give your cats and dogs. Though you may only think that your dogs and outdoor cats need the vaccine, the truth is that you should vaccinate all of your pets.

    Here are some reasons why you REALLY should vaccinate your indoor cats for Rabies

    It is a deadly disease that is preventable, with a simple vaccine. 

    Why would you want to put your family in danger if all it takes is a vaccine to prevent it? It is much better than losing your family pet or even a family member due to the horrific disease.

    Because it can be deadly, most states require all pets to have a rabies vaccine. 

    It is the law that you need to vaccinate your pet against the disease, even if he or she never goes outside.

    There is no testing for the disease, until it is too late. 

    The only way to test for rabies is by examining the tissue of the brain. This can only be done after the patient has passed away or been euthanized. It can take a few days to get results. In the meantime, other affected humans may have to go through preventive measures to ensure they are safe.

    Though you may think that your cat can’t get exposed to Rabies, the truth is that bats and other wildlife can carry the disease. 

    These can get in the house more often than you think, which makes it dangerous to have a cat that isn’t vaccinated against the disease.

    Want to go even further when it comes to protecting your pet? Here are some things that you can do to keep your pets safe from rabies (and other preventable diseases)!

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    Vaccinate all of your dogs and cats against diseases that they can come in contact with. 

    This includes more than the Rabies vaccine. You should vaccinate dogs for Distemper, Kennel Cough (if they are around a lot of other dogs), Lyme, and Lepto. Cats should be vaccinated against Distemper and Feline Leukemia.

    You also need to keep track of when the vaccines are due. 

    You should do your best to overlap vaccines, so that you don’t let time lag between when the vaccines are due and when you give them.

    Keep cats indoors. 

    Indoor cats live healthier and happier lives. You don’t have to worry about them getting hit by cars, being attacked, or who knows what else can happen when cats roam outside.

    You may want to keep your dogs indoors as much as possible. 

    Dogs deserve to be safe too, so they shouldn’t spend time running around on their own.

    Make sure that rodent and wildlife control is important to you. 

    You may want to work with a pest control company to keep creatures from getting into your home. You should have a cap on top of your chimney and screens on all of your windows.

    Do your best to keep wildlife off your property. 

    Don’t feed stray cats, or you may soon find your yard full of wildlife that you didn’t plan on having!

    If a human or pet is ever bitten, they should wash it right away and seek medical care if needed. 

    If the medical provider is worried about rabies, it is important to contact the health department. Rabies shouldn’t be something that you ignore. You have to act fast!

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    Though you may not want to vaccinate all of your pets against rabies, the truth is that you should. It is for everyone in your family’s protection. You don’t want to lose a family pet (or even someone in your family) because you weren’t careful!

    All it takes is a bat or other wildlife to get into your home, and rabies is possible. That being said, you can’t test for the disease without euthanasia, so you would have to put your pet down to figure out whether or not your whole family needs to be treated preventively!

    Besides vaccines, you also should keep your pets inside as much as possible, so that they are safe. You also need to work hard to keep pests and other wildlife out of your home!

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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. 

  • We Don’t Want To Talk About Money

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    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.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    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.

    ***

    Can’t get enough? You can catch up on the rest of the series right 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

    Want to read the original? Catch up on it 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

    ***

    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.

  • Choose the Right Pet

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Veterinary technicians and veterinarians are here to help you have a long and happy life with your pet. However, before you go out and buy the first one you see, we want to ensure that you choose the right one.

    Here are some tips to help you choose the right pet for you and your family.

    Look closely at your lifestyle. 

    If you are busy running from one activity to another, you won’t have time for a dog that needs to spend hours outside running and getting its energy out.

    If you live on a farm, you are probably going to want a dog that wants to be out with you all the time. A smaller dog may get in the way of a tractor, so it might not be the best pet for you. However, if you live in a small apartment, a small dog might have plenty of room to exercise!

    Dogs aren’t the only pets to consider. A cat may be the perfect companion for you. They don’t need much, just food, water, and a clean litter pan. Even if you work outside the home for hours at a time, they would be content until you get home. They are not as social as dogs, so they make great pets for those who are really busy.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    You also need to remember that some pets need more grooming than others. 

    Many small-breed dogs and Doodles require regular grooming. Besides visiting the groomer several times a year, they often require regular brushing. You may need to set aside some time every week to keep your furry friend looking nice.

    Long-haired cats are the same way. Although you may not take them to the groomer, you will need to devote some time every week to keep their coats as nice as possible.

    As well as activity. 

    Some dogs will require significantly more exercise than others. Puppies will need to go out multiple times a day, both to use the bathroom and to play. Older dogs may not want to go out as often, so if you aren’t home as much, an older dog may be better for you.

    It is important to know that there is no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic dog or cat. 

    Dogs and cats spread allergy-causing proteins through their saliva and urine. It also sticks to their fur, which may make a fluffy dog or cat the wrong choice for a person with allergies.

    However, there are some breeds that don’t shed as much, though they may still bother someone with allergies. There are also hairless options, though they aren’t very common.

    You also need to ensure that you train your pet, especially dogs. 

    In the veterinary field, we are seeing an increasing number of young adult dogs that are out of control at the veterinarian. COVID kept everyone at home, and they were not able to socialize their dogs properly. They only know the safety of their home and the owner.

    However, there is no excuse for these dogs to be difficult to handle on a leash. You need to play with your new dog’s ears and feet so that he or she will let us clean them and trim the nails.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Before you get your next pet, you need to make sure you choose wisely. You need to look closely at your lifestyle to determine what is the best pet for you. You can’t get a dog that needs to run off plenty of energy when you live in a small apartment and don’t have time for multiple walks a day.

    In fact, a dog might not be your best bet. Instead, you may want to get two cats, so that they can keep each other company while you are living your life! You also need to realize that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet! Though some won’t bother your allergies as much as others, the truth is that all pets have proteins that will cause allergic reactions.

    Once you get a pet, you need to make sure you train it. Too many dogs are out of control at the veterinary office, scared of everything because they have never been exposed to anything (or anyone). You need to ensure that your dog is comfortable walking on a leash and accustomed to being handled, particularly around the ears and feet.

    ***

    Can’t get enough? You can catch up on the rest of the series right 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

    Want to read the original? Catch up on it 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

    ***

    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.