Germaine Greer wrote an article in the Telegraph a few days ago title “We should stop doting on our dogs”.

It had the tagline ‘Our canine friends are poorly served by the veterinary industry who indulge dogs as well as their owners‘.

Her points:

  • vets are treating the wants of pet owners, not the actually pets
  • the modern pet owner is unrealistic about the needs of their pet and shouldn’t complain when pets exhibit normal animal behaviour
  • vets over diagnose and over treat animals and are only interested in pet insurance to fill their back pockets
  • vets give unnecessary treatment
  • vets cost are ballooning because of obese animals and all the new treatments available to prolong a pets life
  • treating your pet at the vet costs owners a fortune and makes the animal miserable
I have been reading a lot of articles and have noticed this perception of the veterinary profession recently.  At the bottom of this post I will include links to other articles.  What is important is not the actual article but the comments from pet owners.
What Germaine is really writing about is
  • her lack of trust in the veterinary profession to do the right thing by her pets
  • her perception that veterinarians only care about money and not the welfare of her pets
We know this isn’t true.  The issue is for every 1 article like this or negative blog comment made, there are many more people who think the same.
Germaine is obviously still devastated by the loss of Molly and feels that she suffered needlessly in the end.  As Molly was covered by pet insurance, everything was done to save her life but she didn’t make it.  Germaine feels that the veterinary practice prolonged her suffering to cash in on the pet insurance.

I used to find clients at time so frustrating to deal with.  A previous boss explained to me that clients are always under a degree of stress bringing their pet to us which I needed to be mindful of.  It is true.

An owner comes to every visit with their ‘baggage’.  A previous experience with a vet they didn’t like, a case that had a poor outcome, comments from friends and research from the internet.  This ‘baggage’ will cloud their perception of you, your recommendations and your treatment.

The thing most pet owners want to know at the end of their pet’s life is that their beloved didn’t suffer and it was a peaceful end.

A lack of trust affects the credibility of our profession.  The lack of trust begins with doubt.  Doubt about whether you care or their pet is just another pet to poke & prod.  Doubt about your credibility, knowledge and skills.

Just because we have such fantastic technology, knowledge & skills available to us now, doesn’t mean that every client wants it for their pet and we must respect that.

Communication is vital.   You must listen, ask open ended questions, gain clarification and also use your perception to understand the clients wants and fears.  You must involve the client in the treatment of their pet.

Build rapport & relationships with your clients.  Show them you do care.  It is the little things that can make the biggest difference.

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The article I recommend reading the comments for:

Leave your comments below or on the Facebook page.  I look forward to your thoughts.

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