Question to all the vets on Yahoo Answers (especially the 13-year-old vets)?

Question

Why do you feel compelled to answer when you have absolutely nothing to say?

I know. You're child prodigies, which is why you already have a veterinary degree even though you're still in junior high school. Although I'm sure you learned A LOT in vet school, wait until you have something important to say. Just because you add that you're a vet doesn't magically make your comment important, or even helpful. (Funny how that works...)

If you have nothing to say, we'd really all benefit if you did that: Said nothing.

It's really pretty obvious the difference between 13-year-old vets and vets with degrees. I know, for 13 year olds it can be hard to tell the difference. But for those of us who have achieved a high school diploma, it's pretty easy.

So, back to my obligatory question: Why do you feel compelled to answer when you have absolutely nothing to say?

Stephanie: I have no intention of insulting you or anyone else. You have good answers from what I've seen.

My problem is with the fake vets, many of whom are kids. They post "I'm a vet" or something at the end of their question... I guess to make themselves sound more important.

To anybody who doesn't fraudulently say "I'm a vet", don't be offended! We love you here (most of you).

Answer 1

NOT ME! I housetrained my dog, so that makes me a Trainer ! I groom my dogs, so that makes me a Groomer.. I feed my dogs so that makes me a Nutritionist.. I watch my dogs and I walk them, so that mkes me a Petsitter and Dog walker.. Want more ?? :) I have shown my dogs, that makes me a Handler.. I have done Schutzhund, and worn the sleeve, that makes me a Helper / Aggitator... I can keep going :)

Answer 2

I'm also surprised at the number of definitive diagnoses that are made here, presumably by ESP or something, since they can't actually examine the animal in question. It's one thing to say "it sound like your dog may have (fill in the blank), but you'll have to see you vet to know for sure", or "it could be (X, Y, or Z), ask your vet", but something else entirely to say " your dog has whoopdedooitis". If you aren't a vet, you don't have a license that permits you to make a diagnosis, and in any event, no vet would do that in the first place. It's one thing to voice an opinion, but yet another to issue a diagnostic pronouncement.
I've got it! Remote diagnosis of dogs via the Internet. What a money maker! "Now place your computer mouse on the afflicted part of your dog's body, and place your other hand on the place indicated on the monitor screen. Ah, yes, your dog has ......"

Answer 3

Im 30ish, but on occasion act about 14 when there are some really stupid questions posted here. I can get into crap slinging with the best of the immatures. I am not a vet but I have worked hand in hand with Vets for most of my life. Growing up on a farm, vollenteering my time with zoo's and rescues as a kid, and generally learned knowledge. Though I never claim to be a vet. I usually put that little clause in with most of my answers... "if not sure take to vet!"

I have gotten suspensions and deleted answers dealing with these so called vet people. If you suspect someone is just foolin around ask for the college they graduated from and there license number that usually shuts them up. I never say that vets or knowledgeable people shouldnt say they have a degree or anything, but if you really were a vet or a tech or what have ya, normally you dont go splashing it around on a public answer sight, because as one you take an oath to take the best care of animal and never mean it harm. Giving advice that is critical to health care with out examining an animal is a breach of that oath. Any vet worth his salt wouldnt do that.

Answer 4

Actually, there are some people who see that claim of being a vet and think that answerer actually knows what they are talking about. People should not be relying on this and should always research any answer they might be considering before ever applying it.

What I find even more funny is that there are so many people here who ask risky medical questions. Why don't they just call their vet? A phone call if free and their vet is familiar with their dog. Why take the chance someone here is going to give you advice that could kill your dog because they are only regurgitating something they heard from a friend of a friend of a friend who knows a vet?

Answer 5

I see your point, and I am also very upset when people give answers that are wrong, because they obiously don't know the correct one. However, although I am neither a vet nor a 13 year-old, I must point out that this site is not for vets only. People who put questions know that theyare not getting expert advice, just similar experiences from all over the world, from other pet owners. This can be very helpful, because sometimes someone who has gone through the same problem may have a clue as to how to solve it. So I do answer when I can.

Answer 6

Yeah I'm 13 too and my parents won't give me allowance either :( But here are some ideas: Make baby-sitting flyers and give them out Have a lemonade stand :) Get some friends together and have a car wash! If you have any elderly neighbors, go over and ask if you can do anything to help them out Look on your washer/dryer :D lol Mow lawns- my friend mowed like 7 or 8 and got $400!! Have a yard sale and ger rid of some of your old-kiddish things I bet that if you work hard and earn all the money yourself, and tell them how much you REALLY want the cat, they'll know you're responsible enough. Trust me! Hope I helped! :)

Answer 7

You mean that my 6 week online course does not qualify me to be a vet!?
I know what you mean. There are far too many people on here that think if the put "I'm a vet" in the source box it will magically turn their crap answer into a brilliant one. The problem is that people who don't know better might actually take their dangerous advice and the dog might pay the ultimate price.
Moral of the story - If you aren't a vet, don't claim to be one just to appear smarter. You just look more ignorant than ever and you might actually hurt some poor dog in the process.

Answer 8

yea, it is annoying when a person writes a stupid answer then says "im a vet" it is pretty obvious that they are not. I bet they think they are just as smart as vets because they read a book on dogs or have pet dogs. And maybe they think it is cool that they can pretend to be vets over the internet.

Answer 9

Well most of them think it's cool to put crap like that in their source box.

I call it source box follies! It's funny as heck and they really think people are buying their answers! I have no problem calling someone out if the put that in their source box. But then againI'm an adult and I can usually spell correctly and have something to back up what I post too! Years of experience and not what I saw on Animal Planet last night!

Like DP has posted anyone can claim anything they wish but I choose to be honest. Something I find in short supply here some day's.
Good question!

Answer 10

Are you actually suggesting that a person aged 13 is claiming to be a vet, which is what the readers suggest you are saying. From your comments I understood that you are offering this question to vets, qualified, reaching their 13th year, just qualified as a vet. Kind of completing their pupillage as in working experience, not proficient enough to know all the answers as a mature vet or even an experienced dog handler?

It is hard to answer a question that is a little confusing, therefore, I better not say anything at all.

AND OOPS ..... So, I read the message wrong. My bad!
Well, kids, what can one say, kids will be kids. Comes with the territory of being a kid. Mischievous. LOL Take it in good fun. They mean no harm.

Answer 11

I would hope by the way they present themselves on here that someone wouldn't take them seriously. I mean, 13 year olds are not articulate enough to sound like someone who is educated with a veterinary degree. I have a 13 year old who is a smart kid...A student and in challenged classes...and he couldn't sound that educated. It is scary, though, to think that someone would take their advice, just because they say they are a vet.