7 Life-Saving Tips Veterinarians Wish Every Pet Owner Knew

Woman s Day

By Beth Levine


1. KEEP YOUR PET CLOSE IN THE WAITING ROOM
Even though your Fluffy wouldn't hurt a fly, letting her wander is bad pet etiquette when you don't know the other animals or owners. "Plus, animals that are in pain or ill may react differently than they normally would," says Julie Legred, CVT, interim executive director, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Keep pets on leashes or in carrying cases, and everyone will get along fine. Photo by Getty Images

2. I NEED THE TRUTH-THE WHOLE TRUTH
You may be embarrassed that you don't brush your dog's teeth or that you do share your nightly Ben & Jerry's with your kitty-or more seriously, you forgot to give your pet his meds or left a poisonous holly bush within reach. Try to remember that the vet is there to help your pet, not to judge you, and withholding facts to save face can be dangerous.


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3. REGULAR CHECKUPS ARE CRITICAL
Yearly physical examinations provide vital information about your pet's health. Consider everything your vet does-vaccinations, nutritional counseling, and heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention-as investments to prevent deadly (or at least costly) diseases. Plus, when your vet sees your pet regularly, she is more likely to catch any potential health issues early, which can also mean a better chance of recovery.

4. UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR MAY BE SERIOUS
Don't wait to call if you see changes in your pet's routine, lack of appetite, lethargy, a bulging abdomen, trouble breathing or signs of pain."With those symptoms, your pet could be bleeding internally or be critically ill," says Wendy Hauser, DVM, board member, American Animal Hospital Association in Lakewood, CO.

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5. PLEASE DON'T PLAY DOCTOR
Never give your pet medications, particularly ones meant for people. Ibuprofen, for example, can be life-threatening to a pet. Even homeopathic therapies are problematic, as they can interact with a drug the vet may have already prescribed. "I love when clients want to educate themselves about pet health and care," says Dr. Hauser, "but there are a lot of unreliable sources out there."

6. BE DETAILED ABOUT SYMPTOMS
Before you show up, explain your pet's symptoms as best you can-it helps vets determine if an animal is contagious. "If your pet is sick with, say, ultra-contagious kennel cough, he can infect other pets," says Legred. What's more, waiting rooms often have pets that are too young to be vaccinated, so if they become ill it can be fatal. "If need be, we can have you come in after hours or through a side entrance."

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7. HAVE THE NUMBER OF YOUR LOCAL 24-HOUR ANIMAL HOSPITAL HANDY
Your vet wants to be there for you as much as she can, but after office hours, this may not be possible. Ask her for the closest and best emergency facility before you need it. That way, you're not panicked if something concerns you late at night.


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