5 Things Dog Owners Do That Drive Veterinarians Crazy

Ever wonder if you drive your vet crazy? We wondered too,  so we asked the nice people over at Trupanion what vets’ biggest pet peeves were. Denise Petryk, DVM, director of veterinary services at Trupanion, and Dr. Steve Weinrauch, director of veterinary direct pay at Trupanion, listed the following veterinarian pet peeves.

#1 – Waiting too long to seek help

It’s so frustrating when a pet owner finally arrives at the ER with a dog that is nearly dead, then goes on to tell vet staff how they stayed up all night watching the dog vomit and have diarrhea. In the past I’ve heard, “He only vomits two or three times a day.” How many times a day do you vomit? Please go to the veterinarian sooner rather than later!

#2– Person who brings dog in knows nothing about the dog

When one family member comes in with the sick pet and knows nothing about said dog. Diet? Exercise? The last time the dog vomited? Then the family member that knows everything is not available on the phone and the unknowing family member will not allow any diagnostic testing.

#3 –  Won’t pay for vet care

When pet owners spend a lot of money on doggie clothes, day care, beds, and toys and then complain about the reasonable costs of veterinary care. One time a client told me, “I already spent $2,000 buying the dog, I can’t afford anything else.”

#4 – Using Google as a vet

Some pet owners trust the internet over consulting their veterinarian. I’ve seen too many pets come to the veterinarian’s office too late because Google said their dog would be fine. If you notice something is wrong, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They know you and your dog best. The worst 3 words in veterinary medicine are “let’s just wait.”

#5 – Forgets to tell vet staff that their dog bites

After the dog snaps at a staff member and nearly bites off a finger, the owner mentions how their dog almost always tries to bite strangers— especially veterinary-related strangers.