Why are you asking pet questions.....?

Question

on here about health etc??I find it really worrying that all these people with sick or pregnant animals are asking questions on here and not seeking veterinary advice!

All those who say they cannot afford vet bills should have thought about that before getting a pet, or get insurance. its just responsible pet ownership for crying out loud!

Answer 1

I totally agree with Chalice.
My stomach churns when I read some of these questions when obviously, the vet should have been called first instead of asking on here. The poor animal is suffering, and they are typing.
As far as the vet bills... I have a good relationship with my vet, and with the number of animals I have, I think I have more medications for the critters than I have for myself! I can call him up and he usually tells me what to do, how much to administer and for how long. My vet is great and doesn't charge for free advice. If I have a major problem with an animal, he sets up a payment schedule and I stick to it.
People need to realize there is alot more to taking care of a pet besides food and water. It is a wonder some of the people asking questions remember to breathe!

Answer 2

Some of the questions that have been answered on here have been answered by vet nurses or vets themselves. If it is the weekend then have you got the 100 quid to just call the vet out ? Not everyone has money for the vets and go to places like the P.D.S.A and it might not be open on a sunday but then can't afford a vet so have no choice. If someone, like a vet nurse, tells them to go to the vet or call out the emergency vet then that's good, but you also have to remember that what some people think is an emergency isn't really an emergency if you know what i mean and asking is free. We have all worried about our pets at some time and not always has it been as much of an emergency as you once thought it was.
Asking is good.!

Answer 3

I agree that pets should be taken to the vet but most of the time people just want reassurance. Thank God for places like the PDSA etc.

I am on benefits through illness and have animals. Most of these I had when I was working - I do not have the gift of hindsight and did not see a time when I could not work. Two of my cats were rescues - from the street where they were living wild after their previous owners - who were well enough off to afford a large house, two good cars and private school for the kids

For some people, their pet is the only thing they have got. To criticise these people for having a pet because they are poor is so so small minded! You could be in this position one day. What are you going to do if you become poor? Get rid of your animals for 'their' sake? Of course you won't. You will try and muddle through like the rest of us do.

Answer 4

The vets here charge £50 just for consultation fees and thats before they've even looked at my pet. I mean I'm not tight, I know when my animals need to go to see a vet, they become dull, lethargic, won't eat their food etc etc, sometimes some small problem may niggle away at you, a bald patch, or a weepy eye for example, as long as they seem happy, and yes you can tell, you may try and work out what the situation is before taking them to the vets. Because sometimes its only to be told its really nothing anyway. Thats my opinion only, I mean I have studied animals for three years, but some of us don't have specialised vets, where I live is very rural and a farm community, the majority of animals brought to the practise, is farm animals, and dogs and cats. I even had a veterinary nurse ask me what a guinea pig needs when being housed in the vet practise, and she was a nurse! So I'm naturally very skeptical of vet practises.

Answer 5

I agree. Some of the questions are so stupid. Don't people have any common sense? I can understand if the animal has an issue that vets have not been able to solve and the person wants to hear from other people who may have had a similar problem with their pet but other than that I don't see why people need to use this website to get advice on pet care when they are pet doctors all over the place. Although I'm sure some of them do it because they can't afford the vet bills. If that's the case, they shouldn't have animals to begin with.

Answer 6

Wild animals don't survive, they die. They just don't show you that on the wildlife programs. Elephants starve to death when their teeth wear out for example, lions get gored or stuck with porcupine quills and die of blood poisoning; it wouldn't make very good entertainment.
Pets are not wild. They have been bred and altered. Bulldogs cannot give birth naturally any more, they can only have pups by caesarian!

I don't mind if people jsut need reassurance, but you can usually tell when thats the case.
It worries me when I see questions on here that are obviously medical emergencies; I've seen 3 cases in the last 2 weeks of unborn young stuck in the birth canal. 3 or 4 suspescted poisoning. Several possible parvo virus. Left to their own devices those animals will die.
Several pets died and the owners want us to tell them why! We can't even see the animal. If they had seen a vet, the vet would have given an opinion. So they've just got sick then got worse then died. Then put in the rubbish bin.

I think people buy pets but don't learn anything about care or first aid so can't tell the difference between an emergency and something that can wait til monday. Thats very worrying when they're breeding. They're going to be a midwife. They can't stop to type halfway through.

Answer 7

Some may already know the answer but just need a second opinion.
Some may be taking there mind off the fact that their 'other half' has taken the animal to the vets and they are worried.

However, not being able to afford vet fee's is no excuse..The PDSA run a health program which if free to those on certain benefits.
Most animal shelters should be able to help with questions. Some also have access to vets...
Some vets will offer a payment plan if you are having problems paying.

Vets should be regulated in what they charge though, their prices are often very inflated, and I think there would be less neglegted animals if they were

Some times it's just nice to have a bit of support!!! :)

Answer 8

Many people here are seeking vet advice as well as researching on the Internet, etc, as well as asking here. It's good to get information from many sources and someone here might have gone through the same thing.

But if a person has a dying pet in urgent need of help and is relying solely on answers here, then yes that is worrying.

Answer 9

So do I - and I find the depth of ignorance displayed worrying as well....

I totally agree - if your animal is ill - see the vet, after all they rely on us to keep them well, it is part and parcel of animal ownership and part of the bargain - they give us love we give them food shelter and medical treatment.....not to mention love treats, more love....!

I also get worried by the people asking how to tell if an animal is pregnant or how long a pregnancy lasts - surely these are basic questions that if you plan to breed you research first and if you don;t you should get them spayed first.... or research if you think an accident has happened!!

Answer 10

I know, I totally agree with you.

Even if people are just seeking reassurance and plan to take their pet to the vet, it would be helpful if they'd say so!

And I also totally agree that it makes me angry when people say that they can't afford to see the vet. A consultation only costs about £25 and pet insurance would cover them for any major operations. People should make sure they can afford all of these things before they even get a pet!