Three things you just have to know
There are a few things about being a veterinarian that are very difficult. Oh, don’t get me wrong, overall it is a marvelous profession and I’m honored and grateful to be a part of it. But it’s funny how there are a few things about interacting with pet owners, day in and day out, that leave you with the feeling that much of what you say often goes in one ear and out the other. Of course, when clients don’t listen and the pet’s condition worsens, it is very disheartening.
Add to this the fact that different clients have widely differing belief systems and values, and I’m often competing with Dr. World Wide Web, it’s actually rather miraculous that I’m able to help as many pets as I do. But after so many years, I do have a few “shoulda woulda coulda’s” I’d like to share with my readers if I may. Because while I can never say “I told you so” to a client, at least I can remind you readers out there what I know to be true in my heart of hearts from many years of experience, several thousand cases, and some clients who refused to heed my advice.
1. Don’t wait several days with a sick pet in the “hopes” that whatever is ailing him will clear up and go away. Clients who wait because they think their pet has rallied back are playing Russian Roulette with their pet’s health. And more often than not, whatever disease your pet is suffering from is invading new tissue faster than Putin invaded Crimea.
2. Take your vet’s advice! If tests indicate that your pet has anemia, kidney insufficiency, pancreatitis, an infection, or something else that clearly requires treatment, don’t opt for “monitoring at home” to see if the pet “rallies back.” This is done by clients occasionally who simply can’t trust the advice they are getting or don’t feel they can afford treatment. I recommend being honest about the situation and communicating with your veterinary hospital to assuage the financial concerns and focus on treating the pet.
3. If you have a pet that has any kind of chronic problem — allergy, skin issue, endocrine problem — he should be on the natural supplement Canine Health. This is an all natural one a day supplement that reduces oxidative stress in mammals by 40 percent, and it’s a no-brainer to give to your pet. I don’t make a penny telling you about this, but I’d be remiss in not letting you know since I have studied the science surrounding this extensively and seen the results in patients. My own pets are on it and many patients are too, and living better, healthier and longer because of it. This potent all natural one-a-day also activates NrF2, an important cellular messenger, as well as enhances and up-regulates our survival genes. My hope is that many more pet owners will find out about this and be able to extend and enhance their pets lives with this simple one a day.
OK, I’m off my soapbox for now; thanks for reading this column, that is, if you made it to the end!
Happy pet loving,
Dr. F
