As I write this article, I look forward to seeing the movie “Dolittle”.  The trailer looks great and I hope it delivers.  Another great movie that deserves your time is “A Dog’s Purpose” – a tale about the role that dogs can have in the lives of their owners.  But much as we love our (mostly) silent pet companions, sometimes it would be better if they could speak.  Particularly when it’s time to go to the veterinarian, pet owners and vets alike truly wish that pets could talk!  It would make it so much easier to know what ails them.  It would make diagnosis so much simpler.  Instead, we rely on observations, such as appetite, activity level, inclinations towards hiding, eliminations, vomiting, and more.

Veterinarians are great listeners and compassionate, dedicated doctors.  In a short amount of time, we must sum up history and physical exam findings, choose diagnostics, discuss results and come up with a reasonable plan and treatment options.  Then, we stress over whether we made the right decision: Will the owners be able to give the medicine?  Did they understand the needed care at home and what to expect?  What are the consequences or outcomes of myriad factors in this pet’s life?

We often work on several patients at a time in three different exam rooms due to very busy schedules and unexpected complications.  For me, one of the hardest things is to go from a very emotional euthanasia right into the next appointment with a smile, maintaining composure for this deserving client’s patient.

So please be kind to your veterinarians and their staff.  We want to help.  We are all human and might make mistakes; no one is perfect.  Avoid bashing on social media as it can be very hurtful and cause more harm than good.  So be more like your pet.  Be unfailingly empathetic … it is among the most important human characteristics needed today!

Courtesy – Dr. Carla Edwards