A pet is like a very small child who can't tell you what is wrong. I agree that I go to the pro's when in doubt or in need of prescription meds. But give guidelines. If you need to ask here, probably you should ask a vet, but the expense could really hurt pet ownership in general. The newer you are to the type of pet you have, the more you need to have Qs answered by someone who actually sees your pet, but every little thing, come on folks, do you go to the doctor that much?
2006-11-09 07:29:02 · 8 answers · asked by character 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Please, unless you are a very new pet owner, your pet communicates with you very clearly. Surely I'm not the only one who can tell a belly ache from an ear ache. I'm no pet whisperer but the average age of my dogs has been 15, the average age of my cats has been 17, and my horse is 36.
2006-11-09 13:55:32 · update #1
Believe me when they need it they get vet treatment
2006-11-09 14:01:59 · update #2
I agree with you completely, you can get charged and arm and a leg just to be told your or animal has a cold in either situation. And isn't is funny how if you know what is wrong with your pet the vet won't just give you the meds without seeing them first. Just to make the money. I raised rabits in 4-h for 5 yrs I read all the medical books and heck did my own surgeries if need be, but I wasn't 18 and couldn't get the meds I needed but of course a vet would not take my word for it and wouldn't give me meds without seeing them first. Most of the time a vet doesn't know much more than a good book. Ok when it comes to the big things yeah you need a vet. But I know millions of peopel who treat their own pets at home all the time, even administer their own vaccines and never have to take their pet to the vet except to be fixed. You can find information on almost anything on the net so much faster than asking people on here. And hey if you have the money to take them to the vet and it makes you feel better than just do it. I've had animals live to 15 yrs old never having gone to the vet except for stitches and to be fixed.
2006-11-09 08:08:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Sure, you don't have to take your dog to the vet because she sneezed. However, many people out there have little to no instincts regarding their animal's health. I know people whose dog was in end stage cancer before they brought her to the vet, despite numerous symptoms and signals that had been going on for months and despite the urging of many of their friends. They just had no clue. They love their dog, but they have NO instincts. I'd rather see people like that overreact than underreact because the underreaction usually ends in a serious illness or the death of the pet.
And you are right, an animal can't tell you what's wrong. And that's why I tend to err on the side of caution. It's not me being overreactive, it's me knowing when something is not right and knowing that I can't help.
If the expense of a vet is keeping people from going for major illnesses, then they shouldn't have a pet. Really.
No, people do not need to make an appointment every other week for a check-up. But, if your dog is bleeding, if your dog is vomiting blood, if your dog's eyes are bleeding, if your dog can't walk, then playing on the computer is not the place to be. And if the illness is less obvious, then a phone call to the vet is free. Even a sneeze can turn into a major respiratory infection like pneumonia. Ignoring it can be deadly.
2006-11-09 15:38:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I take my pets to the doctor when a problem persists and I don't know how to fix it. Which could be very seldom one year, and very often the next, depending on their health. Yes, it does get expensive sometimes, but such are the costs of pet ownership. Much of the time, I can take care of some minor or recurring things at home; but sometimes I can't - and this is the time to dish out some $$ for a vet visit.
2006-11-09 18:55:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't have to take a pet to the vet for everything. Annual checkups are good, though since you get baseline data on the animal and develop a relationship with a vet. I have birds and you really need to err on the side of caution with them. As animals that are preyed upon in the wild, birds are genetically programmed to hide their illness or injury as long as possible. If they don't in the wild they would be targeted by predators or driven from the flock. So, by the time a bird looks sick it is REALLY sick and it may be too late. So, with birds you really do need to be careful. Any change in appetite, vocalizations, activity level, any discharge from the nares, bloody stool or diarrhea, or vomiting (not just regurgitaion), or marked behavioral change should prompt a visit to an avian vet.
With cats and dogs it is a little more obvious since they are less inclined to hide a problem. A fever, severe vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, severe bleeding, chronic cough, uncoordinated gait or seizures should have people calling the vet and not waiting for answers on here.
2006-11-09 16:16:05 · answer #4 · answered by Rags to Riches 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I rarely see a doctor. But, the thing is...like a tiny child, a pet cannot communicate it's pains or discomfort to you. When you become a parent or a pet parent, it is your responsibility for the care and wellbeing of that child and/or pet. So many people these days it seems take that responsibility to their children and pets very lightly.
A good parent or pet owner observes and when attention is needed sees to it. It's extremely rare that anything other than a minor ailment does not become worse. So, cheaping out on good medical care is not an option. If you take on that responsibility, live up to it.
2006-11-09 15:34:30 · answer #5 · answered by Rich B 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i have to agree! people don't seem to read all the details, they just say go to the vet. i posted a question today asking how Long should i wait to know if my dog food will help the dog gain weight, and told to take her to the vet.!! my question stated she was at the vet., a few weeks ago and treated for mange! other then the mange the vet said she was fine! i just feel she could us more weight! the vet. didn't say anything about it! i feel 55 lbs in low for a med.size dog!!
2006-11-09 15:56:55 · answer #6 · answered by rblankenship_rblankenship 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I got out of the navy in 1961 and didnt see a doctor until 1985...that was my choice...a pet has no choice as such..they rely on you to tend to their needs...go to a vet if you love your pet...(Hey!!! I made a poem)..
2006-11-09 15:35:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
when we go to the DR it is because we know the symptoms - your dog cannot tell you if his stomach hurts etc
It is always best to consult your vet
2006-11-09 15:33:08 · answer #8 · answered by ekleinert 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋