Things Your Vet Wishes You Knew

Dr. Sarah Pawston||2 min read

Your vet has seen things. Unspeakable things. Here are the truths they'd love to share over a stiff drink.

A veterinarian examining a dog on an exam table
Yes, your vet does judge you a little for the Google diagnosis.

Things Your Vet Wishes You Knew

Look, your vet loves you. They love your pet even more. But there are things they mutter under their breath after you leave the exam room, and honestly, it is time we aired them out.

"Dr. Google Is Not a Real Doctor"

We get it. It is 2 AM, your cat sneezed twice, and suddenly you are three web pages deep into a rare tropical disease that has only ever been documented in lemurs. Your vet would like you to know that the sneezing was almost certainly caused by dust. Please step away from the search bar.

Your Pet Is Not "Just a Little Chunky"

When your vet says your Labrador could stand to lose a few pounds, they are not body-shaming. They are trying to prevent your dog's knees from staging a full revolt by age seven. That extra scoop of kibble you add "because he looked sad" is not helping. He always looks sad. He is a Labrador. That is his entire brand.

The Cone of Shame Exists for a Reason

Yes, it looks ridiculous. Yes, your pet hates it. No, a "loose-fitting onesie from Amazon" is not a valid substitute. Your vet did not prescribe the cone to be cruel. They prescribed it because your cat has the self-restraint of a toddler in a candy store when it comes to stitches.

Cats Are Not Just Small, Angry Dogs

They have entirely different medical needs, dietary requirements, and emotional agendas. Cats need their own vet visits, their own medications, and their own brand of respectful terror from the staff.

"He Never Does This at Home"

Yes, he does. Your dog absolutely does growl at strangers at home. Your cat definitely bites when annoyed. Your parrot says those words all the time. We know. We have seen the look on your face.

The Bottom Line

Your vet went to school for the better part of a decade because they genuinely adore animals. They are not trying to upsell you on blood work for fun. Well, maybe a little. But mostly they just want your furry, feathered, or scaly family member to live a long, healthy, and only moderately dramatic life.

Trust your vet. Tip your vet tech. And for the love of all that is holy, stop feeding your dog grapes.

A golden retriever looking guilty on a couch
He knows what he ate. He will not tell you.
Two dogs running happily in a park
Healthy pets are happy pets -- even if they hate the vet's office.

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