Let’s continue our discussion about what you can do to be your veterinarian’s favorite client! If you didn’t read part one, you can find it here.
People often think that a veterinarian’s job is playing with cute puppies and kittens all day. While this would definitely be fun, I often get the most job satisfaction and personal fulfillment when things are a little more difficult.
Working through challenging situations together as a team, with the common goal of making a dearly loved pet healthier and happier, creates a powerful bond between a pet parent and their veterinarian. This bond then supports the amazing and powerful human-animal bond. To me, this gives meaning to veterinary medicine.
If you are interested in forming this type of bond with your pet’s doctor, here are some tips to consider for your next visit.
1. Don’t hold back information
I often tell people veterinary medicine is like trying to put together a puzzle when over half the pieces are missing. Pets can’t share with us how they are feeling, and they often do (or get into) things that aren’t witnessed. This means vets really rely on any information or insight pet parents can offer.
I sense that sometimes people hold back information because they are embarrassed or feel like they may be judged. My exam room is a judgment free zone. I want (and need) to know all I can to help your pet. If something is being done at home that I don’t recommend, I will let you know from a place of education.
I don’t expect pet parents to know everything. My role is to let you know what is (or isn’t) in the best interest of your pet’s health and help you to implement recommended changes going forward. We really are on the same team!
We cannot be held responsible for what we do not know. One of my favorite quotes to tell clients when we discover something that requires a change is the following: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
2. Understand limitations in veterinary medicine
Despite all the advancements in medicine, unfortunately there are still things that can’t be explained, predicted or controlled. Since animals give us very little insight into how they are feeling, we often rely on diagnostic tests to help fill this gap of information. Sometimes, these tests do give us very specific results and answers. But other times, they are more valuable for what they don’t find.
Let me explain… when diagnostic testing is normal, it allows us to say what isn’t going on. This can be very helpful and allow us to rule out enough ailments so that we can formulate a treatment plan despite not knowing the exact answer.
The other limitation we face is accessibility due to cost. Veterinary medicine is capable of almost all the same advancements as human medicine. We have veterinary specialists in fields like cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, orthopedics, oncology, dentistry, critical care and more as well as access to advanced tests like CT scans or MRIs. Access to specialists and advanced testing can be costly, so even though we have access to them, we may not have the ability to actually benefit from them.
As veterinarians, we often find ourselves in positions where we may not be able to run tests or give a diagnosis but still need to formulate the best treatment plan we can with the provided information. This can be frustrating for pet parents, and sometimes that frustration is misdirected at the care team. Please know these situations are just as frustrating to us. It’s really difficult to have to say “I don’t know” to a pet parent. To navigate these situations, you need to trust that your vet is doing the best they can for your pet. If you don’t feel that way, it may be time to find a new veterinarian.
3. Most importantly, indulge us when we give your pet some extra love!
We love fawning over, hugging, kissing, praising and feeding treats to your wonderful pets! Veterinary medicine can be a very difficult and stressful profession. These interactions with pets have become our built-in stress busters. We love your pets and are grateful for the ability to care for each and every one of them!
My name is Dr. Heather Smith and I have been a small animal veterinarian in the greater Seattle area for 20 years. I am medical director and veterinarian for Felix&Fido – Issaquah. We are reinventing veterinary care by utilizing technology and leveraging the talents of our DVMs, LVTs and assistants in a way that supports and honors pets, pet parents and the veterinary care team. We look forward to serving you!
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