Why do people ask health questions here when they sould be at a vets office?

Question

I think most of these people are either too stupid or too young to be pet owners. If it is the latter, then where are the parents?

Answer 1

Funny you should mention that. Last night someone posted a question about a cat that was in dire need of medical attention and it started a conversation between my husband and me. We can't believe how many people don't take their pets medical problems seriously. My pets are like my kids and if my kids were in danger I wouldn't stop by answers to ask what I should do because my kids lips are turning blue and he's not breathing I would immediately call 911. Now I know that it is not as easy with pets but I would not be on line to go to YA I would be doing a search for an emergency vet in my area (if I didn't already know where one was, which I do). In some situations every second counts, why waste them here?

EDIT: To the people who said that maybe some people can't afford a vet. I hate to say it but it's true - if you can't afford to care for the animal then you shouldn't have it. Sorry!

EDIT: I am not talking about the "my dog is losing the hair on his neck" or "how often should I have my cats nails trimmed," I am talking about the people who post the "my cat is having a seizure, what should I do" or "my dog swallowed a tennis ball and now he hasn't had a bowel movement in a week" questions. People lack education about animals and they buy them anyway when they shouldn't.

Answer 2

Well I asked a question about earmites, because I wanted an alternative besides using the usual med which contains a pesticde, and got the a helpful answer.
I think most people ask because they want help because of financial reasons and need free advice, or are looking for some quick relief before going to a vet, because of location.
As far as kids go, I'm sure the parents would know if a pet is ill, but maybe don't care and the child does.
Who knows.
All I know is I wouldn't have found an alternative cure, because I asked my vet and he didn't know.

Answer 3

Nah, I think it's a financial issue. Vets are expensive. And though I will agree that if something is wrong enough with your pet to ask a question on here you should take your pet to the Vet, I think some people just want a second, third, forth, opinion before they take off work, load up the animal, and pay the vet bill. Plus I've seen a few questions that just needed advice and not really a Vet.

Answer 4

Some things it makes sense to ask here when it's little things, but when an animal is obviously sick I will never understand why the animal is not taken to a vet. I know sometimes money can be a factor, but to me if you are sat at a computer you have the means to go go to a vet too. I always post the numbers for Credit Care when they say they can;t afford a vet to try and be helpful.

People just have to realize there is not a home remady for most things and a vet is the only option when an animal is sick.

Answer 5

Depends on the people. Some are just lazy cheap wankers, some are just not wanting to take the dog to the vet for something that will likely turn out to be nothing. First time owners are like first time parents, most will freak out over nothing while potentially missing some serious or mistaking it for something minor. I found this and thought it was helpful:

"YOUR dog needs to see a vet soon if
-it's had diarrhea for more than 2-3 days;
-it's been vomiting several times a day for 2 days
-it is urinating in inappropriate indoor places (and is housebroken)
-seems overly tired and sluggish for several days
-has a limp that has not gotten better in several days
-has a fever that is over 102 for more than a day
-has a cough or eye/nasal discharge etc for more than a day

Your dog needs to see a vet NOW if
-it is bleeding from any orfice (and is not a ***** in heat)
-has diarrhea that looks like blood or is blood
-is suddenly 3 legged lame
-has a broken bone
-was hit by a car
-fell out of a car or window
-sounds like it is choking
-faints
-has a seizure when it has never had one before
-is vomiting and foaming at the mouth
-seems uncomfortable and bloated
-has a fever over 104

I'm sure there are more but this is a start. Please people have a little common sense. PLEASE"

Answer 6

Some people have financial problems, haven't we all at some point ? Others are just to cheap & come here looking for a crazy home remedy for everything. My mother lives on a fixed income, but when her dog needs a vet she finds the money. She either borrows it from family, or her vet lets her make payments. People need to understand there are options, besides letting your pets suffer.

Answer 7

Most of the time its because they don't have the money to go the the vet, and are hoping that someone on here can give them some advise. It doesn't necessarily mean they are stupid, or too young.

Personally I believe that if you can't provide adequate medical care for a pet, then you should seriously consider not getting one. Its not fair to the animal in the least.

Answer 8

Some people Just Don't Know -- and I think to be a better answerer it's our responsibility to cut them a little slack and be patient. There are some very caring pet owners out there that are new to this and some that just flat out need to be Told to go to the vet, who may later go "I should have thought of that on my own".

Though I admit, some of these questions do get frustrating at times.

Answer 9

I think people ask pet-related health questions because they aren't always certain what warrants a vet visit and what doesn't, and let's face it...vet bills are expensive. When some people are already having difficulty paying their own health bills, it makes them think twice about what is necessary when it comes to pets' health care. It does me and I weigh every cat and dog visit to our vet carefully before taking them. Some of the questions seem obvious, but it may not be to those who are in the middle of the problem.

Answer 10

What bothers me more are the people that freak out when their dog eats a chocolate bar and then you have people telling then to pour all kinds of junk into the dog to"Save it's life" I've had dogs that ate 1 pound chocolate bars with no effects other than a few belches. If the owners did what some people told them to, yes their dog would die.