Jessica Vogelsang DVM

Here’s a tip to save thousands in veterinary fees: It starts before you even bring the dog home.

Pet owners are commonly concerned about the high cost of veterinary care. There are many reasons for those costs, but I am not here to justify any of them. What I will do is point out some things you can do, when making a decision regarding what animal to take home as a pet, that could save you a great deal of money in the long run. Of course no recommendations can imply any guarantee. When dealing with biological systems just about anything is possible. But here are just a few recommendations that can help reduce the risk of serious health and behavioral issues and their associated costs:

Pet selection is often based on emotion, but this really needs to be balanced with a healthy dose of rational thought.

If you are considering getting a pet:

ALWAYS do your research before you select a breed or type of pet. Start by talking to your veterinarian (if you do not have one yet, get one before you get a pet!). Remember, we do not sell animals so have no vested interest in what you choose. Our job is to help keep your choice alive and happy for many, many years and while we earn our living in part by treating the ill, none of us like to see a sick or suffering pet. We would all be very happy if your pet lived its whole life needing nothing but regular preventative care.

Certainly you can talk to breeders and read books or websites about breeds, but those sources tend to focus on the positive aspects of a breed and rarely give you a real sense of any of the negative health or behavioural concerns that you need to be aware of. This database lists many of the known breed-related health concerns in dogs – . You definitely should review this to know what you might be getting into. If you are considering a cat, have a look at this – http://icatcare.org/advice/cat-breeds/inherited-disorders-cats.

Selecting the right dog can help you save:

Consider your lifestyle, your activity level, your living environment and how various types of dogs might fit into that. For example, if you are an active hiker, you need a dog that can keep up to you (sound in limb and wind). Consider what your pet will need in the way of exercise and intellectual stimulation and ask if you will be able to provide this. Do you have the physical space and the time to keep an active, intelligent dog stimulated and happy?

NEVER base your breed selection on any movie, TV show, novel or YouTube clip. These tend to present completely distorted representations of the typical behaviour for that breed. A prime example is how the TV show “Frasier” implied that the Jack Russell Terrier is a good apartment dog for someone with limited mobility. Nothing could be further from the truth.

These high-energy bundles of joy need lots of exercise and work and would be most unhappy living as Eddie did.

Avoid any extreme breeds or individuals. By that I mean, avoid extremely large dogs, extremely small dogs, dogs with excess skin, dogs with no muzzle, dogs with very short legs and/or very long bodies. (For more about this, visit https://www.facebook.com/built4functionandfitness/ and http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.ca/.) Dogs with “extreme” features are inclined to have more expensive health issues than dogs of moderate design. And for the very large dogs, you will be paying a lot more for food and any medications.

I would caution against getting a pet from “Champion” show stock as they are often highly inbred increasing the risk of genetic diseases. The show world tends to reward breeding for extreme features and ever-changing fashion trends that often have nothing to do with health and fitness; sometimes, it’s quite the opposite. An interesting read is A Matter of Breeding by Michael Brandow (2015).

In the same vein, going to a “reputable breeder” may or may not be a good idea. Upon what is their reputation based? If it is for producing dogs or cats that win in the conformation show ring, run away. If their reputation is based on producing healthy, emotionally well-balanced animals with exemplary longevity, give them a look. However, in general I favour the “adopt, don’t shop” approach.

‘Purebred’ mutts, designer breeds….are still mutts

The maltipoo, puggle, chorkie, labradoodle… are not “designer breeds”. They are mutts. I am all for mutts, prefer them actually, but there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars for a “pure-bred” mutt. While cross-breeding can result in healthier animals (diluting the breed-related genetic disorders of each of the parents) by combining the best of the two parental breeds, some individuals in those litters will combine the worst of each parental breed.

The best odds of having a dog with no genetically-based health concerns is to get one of no discernible breed – one with so many breeds in the mix that you can only guess at the family background. Pounds and shelters are full of great mutts looking for homes and they are usually already house-trained, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, saving you even more money while giving a home to an animal in need. Again, adopt, don’t shop.

If you can do these things it will increase your chances of having a healthy, “low maintenance” pet that is well suited to the environment you will be providing for it. And as a side-benefit, that could save you a lot of money.

About the Author

Fraser Hale, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1984 and spent six years in general practice before committing himself fully to the world of dental and oral surgery for pets, becoming a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College in 1997. Dr. Hale is a sought-after speaker and writer on oral health issues and is a consultant on VIN.com. Family, running and fly-fishing are among his non-veterinary passions.

I just heard about another veterinarian committing suicide and I’m torn between wanting to cry (I did) and scream (I haven’t yet).

I had so much to tell him.

That I too have touched the dark night of my soul more than once.

That I too have considered suicide (more than once). That one of my closest friends committed suicide when I was 18, two days after I spend an entire evening with him.

I would tell him that I too know the insidious lure of suicide. What if feels like to just want the pain to end, the suffering to end. How one more day seems unbearable and failing one more time is not an option.

I would tell him I know how disappointment feels when I’ve screwed up again, and the bitter taste of self-loathing and regret that is right behind it.

I would tell him that I also know what it’s like to feel all alone. To feel like the world or my life wouldn’t miss me. To feel like even those things I cherish most (my family and pets) aren’t enough to endure one more day of this torture I’m feeling inside.

But I would also tell him that suicide is a Big.Fat.Liar.

It tells us we are alone in how we feel, but we really aren’t. It tells us no one loves us, but it’s not true. It tells us the way to feel better is by ending it, but that is just another seductive lie.

Suicide is sneaky and cruel as it lures us in. Telling us life will never get any better, we will never be happy and we will never be good enough. Suicide smothers us by making us believe we will never change, life will always be this way and no one will understand or can help.

I’m living proof that it’s all a lie.

I fell down 947 times and I picked myself up 948 times. Sometimes the picking myself up took time and sometimes I needed a helping hand but I picked myself back up because no matter how much mental and physical agony I was in, I believed there was more for me.

There had to be.

And I was right.

I know that despite the darkest days and nights, the sun will rise again, breathing hope into each day. And with each day is another opportunity to find what lights me up. I know that for each of us there is a purpose and if you haven’t yet found it, you will. And if you have, embrace it with your whole heart for this is what you were made for.

You are unique. There is no one else on the planet like you with your genetic makeup and your specific skills, traits and characteristics.

But what isn’t unique about you is your pain and suffering. Your pain and suffering is just like my pain and suffering and tonight when I wept for this young veterinarian, it was because my pain recognized his pain.

What I know now is that the darkest hour is just before dawn (intentional nod to the Mamas and the Papas). Please don’t give up on yourself and this life. What feels unbearable is just asking for your attention. Asking for your vulnerability not your strength. We think we are the only ones that feel what we feel yet I can tell you from talking to countless veterinarians and staff, you are not alone in the slightest. Being vulnerable may not come easy at first but it’s essential to our growth and our healing.

When we give ourselves permission to feel and speak our experience and remove the strong face we put on for the world, we come to realize how like everyone else we really are.

I wish I could tell him this, but I can’t. But I can tell you.

Julie Squires is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist & Educator who brings a unique perspective and approach to support the sustained energy and passion of animal workers. Her company, Rekindle LLC, offers on-site compassion fatigue seminars and workshops to veterinary hospitals, animal shelters and other animal organizations.

Julie has more than 20 years of experience within the veterinary field and with leading organizations where she has developed and executed trainings, workshops and 1:1 coaching. www.rekindlesolutions.com

We have opportunities in this field to choose whether to take the road to positivity or the road to negativity. One of these daily choices is how we perceive our clients- and it’s important to remember that it is a choice.

It’s very easy to become jaded and bitter; we deal with tragic events daily. Many predicaments are directly attributed to client actions.  Some of the ones we all see are these: clients give their medications to their pets, or their intact male wanders and get hits by a car, or their intact female develops pyometra, or their puppy gets parvo because they didn’t stay on schedule for vaccines.

Empathy, Not Judgment

One of the saddest cases I have seen was when a woman brought in a boxer who was hit by a car. The patient had a fractured pelvis, a broken femur and head trauma. She was 2 years old. After going over estimates on stabilization and potential surgery, this woman stood before me in absolute tears.

There was no way she could afford this crucial treatment.  She was going through a tough divorce, and was soon to be a single mother. The poor boxer had managed to slip out of the door of the apartment she had just scraped up enough money to move into. This dog was her daughter’s puppy and somewhat of a tie to the life she knew before everything changed. This sweet dog of theirs had immaculate veterinary care previously, and the owner had invested in puppy classes to make sure the dog knew behavioral basics. It wasn’t a matter of priorities or ambivalence; she truly couldn’t afford this surgery in her current situation.

After talking with this owner, she brought up euthanasia. She didn’t want to see her best friend suffer. I remember many of the staff being very upset. “Who euthanizes a two year old dog?” “She could come up with the money if she tried.”

 It’s hard on our souls to have to put to sleep young patients. But that pales in comparison to the guilt this mother felt over euthanizing her beloved friend. Having to drive home alone, and ultimately tell her young daughter what had happened.  She made that tough decision. Her guilt was consuming and so heart-wrenching to watch. She didn’t do this out of selfishness, she did this out of compassion and respect for her best friend.

We must try our best to remember this: If people are seeking veterinary care for their pet then they are trying to do the right thing.  Our job is to educate clients and provide medical attention to their pets. It’s difficult at times, but we have to do our best to avoid judging. Before we scoff at a client for being in a situation, we must push past those feelings to help them to the best of our ability. By educating and relaying information in a non-judgmental manner, you are giving them the power to make knowledgeable and informed decisions on their pets care.

Estimates Hurt!

Another situation where it is so important to show compassion is when we present estimates to clients. In emergency situations we want their pet to be be treated and receive the absolute best care we can give them. That treatment and care unfortunately comes with price tag. In urgent or emergency situations those figures can easily climb from hundreds to if not thousands of dollars.

It would be difficult for many of us to part with that kind of money. I know for myself as a technician, on technician’s wages, it would take some shifting of funds and applying for credit services. Before we  judge these clients, think about if the shoe was on the other foot. If you can afford a big bill without that impacting your finances, that is great!  But that doesn’t mean that those of us who can’t love their pets any less.

Keep a kind, helpful and positive approach when working with clients, especially if they are struggling. Kindness and professionalism mean so much. We do our part as much as we can ahead of time to encourage clients to plan for emergencies, get pet insurance, and be prepared, but we can’t control what walks in the door. When it’s too late for any of that to make a difference, it’s also too late to tell them what they should have been doing. Clients pick up on those things. We have the ability to make a horrible time better, or infinitely worse, by our choice of actions and attitude.

As caring professionals we can educate them on puppy preventative care. As positive animal advocates we can begin discussions on spaying and neutering. As empathetic and educated individuals we can make discuss appropriate vaccine schedules and why they are important to provide immunity. Make owners aware of the benefits vs. risks of having an indoor/outdoor pet. Knowledge is power. By educating one client, you have given them the opportunity to be the best pet owner they can be!

[tweetthis]Keep a kind, helpful and positive approach when working with clients, especially if they are struggling.[/tweetthis]

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

About the Author

Jade is a licensed technician of 9 years who lives in Port Orchard, Washington. She enjoys emergency and critical cases, dentistry and creating a bond with her clients and team. During her off time she is busy keeping up with her two crazy Basenjis! 

I have a recurring dream.  I’m back in school and finals are coming up.  I haven’t been to class once all semester.  I haven’t read a single book, taken a single quiz or submitted a single paper.  I know nothing about the topic and I need to ace the final to have a shot at passing this class.  My chest feels tight with panic.  I need to study but I’m so overwhelmed I don’t even know where to begin.  I’ll never be able to fool my professor—or myself—into believing I know my stuff.  I am going to fail.  I’m a fraud, an imposter, and I’ll never be able to pull this off.

It doesn’t take Freud to interpret this one.  It’s my subconscious fear that I’ll never be prepared enough, smart enough, hard-working enough; that I’ll just plain never be enough.  I put on my white coat and call myself “Doctor”—but who am I fooling? I am not alone in this feeling.  In fact, it is so ubiquitous, not just in veterinary medicine, but in life, that it has a name—imposter syndrome.

Becoming a Syndrome Victim

Imposter syndrome was a term first coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes to refer to high achieving women who felt like phonies.  Despite their accomplishments, these women were plagued by feelings that they were not worthy of their successes.  They attributed their achievements to luck or to fooling others into believing that they were smarter and more successful than they believed they were.  Although imposter syndrome has traditionally been thought to primarily affect women, subsequent studies show that men may be just as affected.

As veterinarians, it’s easy to fall victim to imposter syndrome.  We, as a group, tend to be perfectionists and the stakes of our job are high.

Many of us toil away in internships and residencies learning to become “the expert” for so long that it can be hard to wrap your head around the fact that you now are.  For those of us who skipped the residency track to become general practitioners, we literally go from student one day, to the doctor the next; needing to make tough calls and life and death decisions with a moment’s notice and no back up.

We don’t feel prepared.  We beat out the best and the brightest to get our spot in veterinary school but we don’t feel like the best and the brightest.  When we graduate it feels like all we’ve learned during those four years of studying, lectures, wet labs and rotations is how much we don’t know.  The more we learn and experience during our years of practice, the more we realize how much more we need to learn and experience.

No One Is Perfect

Even now, with eight years of practice under my belt, I am constantly being proven wrong.  I can confer with two of my colleagues on a case and leave with three different opinions.  I can submit x-rays for a radiology consult and get back a report that looks nothing like my interpretation. That one case that I got wrong looms large in my mind, drowning out the dozens I got right.  Even if I got the case right eventually, the mere fact that I didn’t immediately see that femoral neck fracture on the x-ray or consider the possibility that Sammie’s chronic vomiting could be a sign of Addison’s eats at me, reminding me that I am not good enough.

Most days I am able to realize that no one is perfect.  I will never know all the answers, and that as long as I am humble enough to accept when I don’t know something, and seek out the answer, that I can consider myself a good vet.

Experience, time, and the knowledge that I am not alone in my fears have made my recurring dream come a little less frequently.  It will likely never go away completely, but when those doubts rear their ugly heads, I try to remind myself of the positive.  I try to remember the grateful clients, and their kind words.  Most importantly, I don’t keep it all inside.  When a mistake or bad outcome is eating at me, I talk to my colleagues.  Most of the time, I wind up reassured that I handle things better than I thought, and that they have felt the same way many times. I am reminded that I am not am not alone.  I am not an imposter.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

About the Author

Dr. Lauren Smith graduated in 2008 from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at Cornell University. Her professional interests include internal medicine, preventative medicine and client education. Dr. Smith lives and practices on Long Island with her cat, Charlie and dog, Frankie and loves to read write and run in her free time.  You can check out more of her writing at laurensmithdvm.com