Veterinarian Reveal Things Pet Owners Do That Vets Hate

Dr. Frank Bozelka, an ER veterinarian, says these are the things that pet owners do that vets hate.

• Take advice from a breeder - Breeders and veterinarians don’t always agree when it comes to basic animal care, but the big difference is that vets go to years of schooling, and breeders don’t. People who breed animals may have experience, but they’re not trained medical professionals and may not catch serious health complications veterinarians won’t miss. Some vets compare getting advice from breeders to getting surgical advice from someone who watches “Grey’s Anatomy.”
• Ask the vet what to do, and then do the opposite - When a pet parent asks for advice, then disregard it, that leaves the vet frustrated. They wonder why people bring their animals in for care if they’re not going to follow recommendations.
• Not researching a particular breed before getting it - It’s important to understand all the needs of a pet before bringing it home. Some breeds have potential health issues, behavior issues, and characteristics you should understand to know if they’re a good fit for your family.
• Not giving high-energy dogs enough activity - Golden retrievers, German shepherds, huskies are some of the breeds that need constant stimulation, frequent walks and space to run to keep them healthy and happy. But some pet parents don’t know or aren’t willing to do it, which can lead the dog to have anxiety or other health issues, excessive barking, or obesity.
• Retractable leashes - These may be easier for humans, but they can lead to injuries for pets. When a dog pulls forward and reaches the end of the leash, they may lurch backward suddenly, potentially snapping their necks, hurting their trachea and vertebrae. Vets strongly encourage people to use traditional leashes that give more control over the dog’s range of motion.