Judgement Calls and Your Pet

You know, as an owner you have much on your shoulders.  Being a responsible pet owner is very similar to parenting.  You have to decide the correct "school" to take your dog to.  You have to carefully select sitters.  You have to give them excellent nutrition.  AND on top of all of that, walk the health care high wire.

Health care judgments can be this monstrous burden at times.  Is there really a problem?  Am I overreacting?  Is that normal?  Maybe it isn't normal, but is it an emergency?  Is this something I can treat at home?  All of these questions can really put stress on the caretaker.  Add in financial issues and BOOM: powder keg!

Make no mistake there can be much pressure with these types of decisions.  Add in the fact that the pet may be exhibiting subtle symptoms-your gut just nagging that something is off- and yikes.  This is one reason that it is imperative that you have a veterinary clinic that you can trust and that mutually trusts you.  Working together, you can come up with a plan of action.  There are various levels of immediacy of care.  We use different metrics to help you decide urgency of treatment.  Is the pet's life in danger?  Is the pet suffering or uncomfortable?  Is it safe to wait?  Is it safe to just watch and see?

Lean on your vet as the resource that they can be.  We are here to serve and help.  Sometimes a 5 minute phone call can relieve much worry.

chris