10 Common Pet Owner Mistakes Vets Have To Deal With

Many children dream of becoming a vet. To them, all it seems to involve is cuddling kitties and petting dogs all day, so what could be better? Unfortunately, the reality of the job is somewhat different as vets have to deal with a range of issues often at the fault of the owner. To make vets' lives easier, here are 10 common mistakes pet owners should try to avoid.

1. The Owner Isn't Aware Of Their Pet's Medical History

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Since animals aren't able to talk to the vet themselves, it is up to the owner to keep note of their pet's medical history. The owner should also answer the vet's questions honestly so that their pet can be given the best possible treatment. If there is any missing or incorrect information, your furry friend's recovery could be compromised. 

2. The Owner Thinks That Pit Bulls Are Aggressive Animals

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"Pit bulls and rottweilers are the most dangerous breeds of dogs out there." This is at least a claim that vets hear all too often. However, it is often the smaller, less assuming dogs, such as chihuahuas, that are aggressive and unpredictable. Vets often have a much harder time treating these breeds than the so-called "combat dogs."

3. The Owner Takes Their Pet To The Vet Because Of Behavioral Problems

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Is your cat not taking to your kids or is Fido doing its business around the house? Then this isn't a reason to go to the vet — you should consult a animal psychologist instead. It's important to distinguish between the two, as vets are specialists in treating injuries and illnesses, while animal psychologists are trained to treat behavioral problems. 

4. The Owner Adds Vitamin Products To Their Pet's Diet

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A balanced diet should provide your pet with all the vitamins and minerals it needs. That's why vitamin products usually aren't required. Yet if you cook your pet's food on your own, you may want to talk to your vet about which supplements might be needed.

5. The Owner Feeds Raw Meat To Their Pet

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Many people mistakenly believe that their pets should eat raw meat as this is what they do "in the wild." Yet domesticated dogs and cats are no longer used to raw food. If you suddenly switch your pet's diet from dry food to raw meat, there is a risk that it will start suffering from digestive problems and a lack of nutrients.

6. The Owner Gives Their Pet Human Medicine

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The general rule is to keep any medication out of reach from your pet so it doesn't mistakenly swallow anything on its own. There is good reason since many pain killers are poisonous for animals. Cough and sinus medication can also have a detrimental effect on your dog's heart rate, so hide them well.

7. The Owner Uses A Retractable Leash When Walking The Dog

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Dog owners often use retractable leashes when out on walks. The theory is that their four-legged friend can explore the world with a little more freedom. Yet in practice, this type of leash can do a lot of damage to your pet's spine over time due to the line suddenly jerking when it runs out. This is why it's best to shop around for alternative leash types that are best suited to your dog.

8. The Owner Googles Their Pet's Symptoms

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If your pet suddenly starts feeling unwell, it's not a good idea to google its symptoms. While search engines can sometimes be useful, they can also give you quite the scare when it comes to researching symptoms. If there really is something serious causing your pet's symptoms, it's always best to seek professional advice right away. A trip to the vet is therefore the way to go.

9. The Owner Refuses To Believe That Euthanasia Is The Best Option

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Putting your beloved pet to sleep is the hardest decision an owner will have to make. Yet in many cases, it's the right thing to do. It is easy to understand why pet owners want to exhaust all possible options for treatment, but it often means the animal is needlessly suffering for longer. If your pet has an incurable serious condition, it's best to set the animal free of its pain and suffering for good.

10. The Owner Doesn't Respect The Vet's Profession

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A vet not only takes care of your pet's injuries, but also gives it plenty of love and and attention during treatment. Vets don't choose the job because of the money, but because they really do adore your pet — it's a true passion as well as a profession. This is why vets deserve to be shown plenty of respect, which is sadly not always the case.

Being a vet is certainly not as simple as you may have imagined it as a kid. Now that you know what irks vets the most, it's best to stick to the advice above so that your pet gets the best possible treatment.

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