Does your vet give advice over the phone?

Question

I was just reading this response to a question "Vets cannot give info like that over the phone, they need to see the dog. You REALLY should get her in ASAP!

THey MAY want money, but the reason they will not give info over the phone is that they might be giving the WRONG info!! Can you imagine a woman having a problem like that with labor and calling the OB and thinking they will give ADVICE OVER THE PHONE??? That is malpractice!!!!!"

My vet always will give me advice over the phone if she is busy the vet tech normally will stand there and ask her questions and relay them back to me. Does yours?

and hospitals give advice for pregnant women in labour also over the phone they tell you whether they think you should come in or stay at home and wait for more action. Actually we even have a hotline in QLD for you to ring a nurse when you have a sick child for her to evaluate the symtoms to see if a trip to the hospital is necessary.

How does this work where you live?

Answer 1

I truly believe how well your vet knows you and your animals plays a big factor is what he or she will do. My vet will give me advice over the phone because she knows me and my dogs. I also am able to give her precise information so she can help me too if I need it. If she feels it is too serious to correctly advise over the phone she will tell me that to and I bring the dog into her for a look see.

I think the problem arises when and if your a total stranger and call a vet who doesn't know you or your dog that people run into the situation where no vet with any integrity will advise over the phone. No matter what the situation.

Answer 2

Medical Advice Over The Phone

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

It really depends on the situation, there are things that just can't be taken care of over the phone, you have to come into the vet.
Some things you can handle over the phone...Like I said it really depends on each situation you are faced with.

When in doubt I am sure the vet would say come in..

My vet knows I am experienced as a pet owner so, I don't rush to the vet every time something is wrong. They know that there are things I take care of at home and will give me advice but, of course there are situations where you have to go in and get your dog checked.

Answer 5

It depends on the situation. If a client is calling for diarrhea and the dog is current on heartguard (it has a general dewormer in it) and not a puppy, he'll tell the owner to do a bland chicken and rice diet for a day or two. If it doesn't get better, to come on in.

Depending on the symptoms (dog is acting lazy today or didn't eat breakfast), he'll say to watch the dog for 24 to 48 hours and if she doesn't get better, come in.

If a problem has been going on for a while, or is more serious (bloody stool, difficulty breathing, pooing, or urinating) He'll tell them to bring in the animal.

We get some owners that call at the very first sneeze and the problem was the owner was dusting just a few minutes before. I'm serious. *lol* So it really depends on the client and the symptoms.

Answer 6

I've called my vet for information and explained what was going on with my puppy, he told me what I needed to do and I didn't have to take her in...I'm an animal lover and treat my now grow dog as if she were my child, if I feel she needs to go in, I take her, but if its something that I think I can handle I call my vet and see what solutions he has to offer...on the other hand I've also called animal hospitals here and they wouldn't give me any information, just told me I needed to bring her in...their not just there for your money, they love animals as well and know more about them then you do, just as calling a hospital for advice on pregnant women, *you* yourself has the option of going, its just the question of do you really need to go, by the way I'm from East Tennessee, different vets have different ways of doing things, so I guess its not the place you live, probably just the vet.

Answer 7

Most vets are willing to get on the phone and tell you whether they think your pet needs to be seen or not; however, the majority of vets (and reputable ones at that) will not make a diagnosis over the phone- they must see the pet first and run tests because they do not want to misdiagnose the pet. It's always best to bring the pet in if you think it may be sick- it's better to be safe than sorry. Also, vets have to follow rules and regulations or they could lose their license.

Answer 8

The people you spoke with probably were not actual Vets themselves, in that case it is illegal much the same as practicing medicine without a MD behind your name. It's not illegal for the Vet to give info to you over the phone. Many Blessings!

Answer 9

My vet will give advice over the phone, but only if it was obvious. My friend goes to the same vet and her pup ate some chocolate. The vet had no problem in asking how much chocolate, what kind, what to look for, etc. I doubt she would give advice for more serious things like "My dog has bloody stool", or "My dog ate a box of staples". I don't think that is a money thing (ie, trying to get them into the clinic to make the fees), but more that they just can diagnose the condition of a dog that ate staples without an x-ray and supervision.

I understand what you mean completely :)

Answer 10

I think it's more of a liability issue than anything else. We are such a sue happy country that unfortuneately vets have to worry about that. If they misdiagnose the pet over the phone they could get sued and then where will they be. I think most vets want to see the animal for this reason, it can be frustrating for the owner, but in the end it's probably for the best.