Today we are going to reflect on a conversation I had at my veterinarian's office with Dr. B and a vet tech. It truly made sense to me and made me think the world needs a wake-up call. Oddly, it resonates with something I have been saying for a few years. Americans are self-absorbed, rude, harsh, mean, and unforgiving. We take our frustrations and anger out on the messenger. (Yep, I've been that person shooting the messenger and I've been the messenger who's been shot.) It is completely unacceptable for any reason. There are a million better ways to deal with things that we don't agree with or want to hear.
That being said, the comment made to me: "I wish we could refer all our clients to you as an example of how to be at the vet's office." Say what?!?! I am constantly calling in a panic, crying over a diagnosis, asking for a better explanation, being mad/disgusted about a diagnosis, and yep - complaining about the costs and how my pets are making me poor or that the budget is tight and I don't know how I'm going to afford treatment.
As we chatted about this (with a $400 vet bill headed straight to my wallet!), the ultimate bottom line: I don't take my frustrations out on the staff, I do the recommended treatments. If for some reason I can't do the treatments, I have a calm conversation with them. If price is the hold-up for a treatment plan, I ask if there are other options. Can we break the treatment down into a more manageable price for me, maybe a treatment that will have close enough results but not be as costly? I'm always friendly, have a smile even if my heart is broken, and I'm patient. All of that comes back tenfold to me. They take the time to re-explain, will spend a few extra minutes with my pets for cuddles, and go over options.
Pets are an optional part of our lives - truly. We can live without them; sure, it would not be the same, but they aren't a necessity. There's a cost associated with having pets. Some say pets are cheaper than kids (Although, these days I question that with how much my senior cats cost me!) Much like humans, they need healthcare, and they are prone to many of the same diseases we are. There's pet insurance, but it covers different things. Most pet insurance does not cover an annual wellness exam and shots. Humans get a "free" annual visit with a primary doctor each year. For pets, those annual exams and shots are very important to keep them healthy and provide preventative medications.
We all know the cost of healthcare, with or without insurance, is insane. Doctors are well-paid, and rightly so. You seldom hear someone say "I'm looking for a low-cost doctor/surgery/etc." Yet we hear all the time "I'm looking for an affordable vet" or "I'm looking for a vet that won't charge an arm and a leg." Why do we want cheap care for our pets? Why are the veterinarians, vet techs, and administrative staff at a veterinary office viewed as people who should be low-cost/cheaper? In case you didn't know this - veterinarians and vet techs have one of the highest suicide rates. Shocker! They deal with pets, and it should be all rainbows and butterflies, right? Until you add in the humans they have to deal with.
I can distinctly remember several times over the last few years that I could have been a mean, nasty, and unpleasant person at my vet's office. But I wasn't. I didn't stoop that low. It wouldn't change anything to be better. It would make it worse. The nastier you get, the higher the wall goes. Let's start with Covid making major changes to the way things were done. Curbside vet visits - say what? My cats never go anywhere without me. Leave them in a room with a vet tech and a doctor, and I'm on the phone. How can I explain that quirky thing my cat is doing when I can't see them? The doctor is relaying bad news over the phone. We've exhausted all our options here; our recommendation is euthanasia or to go see a specialist. Say what?!? We missed all the facial expressions that help us through conversations. I can't see the tears in the doctor's eye on the phone as she admits she's done all she can. I can't see the compassion she has for me and my pet in this hard time.
Remember, at the end of the day, your vet cares as much about your pet(s) as you do. They hate to see them suffer and want them to have the best life possible. When you make an appointment, you are saying that you want their professional opinion and that you will follow the directions to ensure the end result is achieved. If you have no intention of even trying what they are recommending, don't waste their time and yours. I was told more often than not, people come in with a "treatment" plan of their own and seek approval from the vet for it. If they don't agree with you, there's a good reason. They have the schooling, degree, and experience. A better approach is to ASK them what they think about a certain treatment, but be ready for them to say it's not the best treatment or they would have recommended it. Have I asked questions about care for my cats, or if something would be beneficial to my cats? Absolutely! BUT I always ask because I value the input of the educated vet I see. If she tells me, nope, not really a good option - so be it. If she says it could help, give it a try - awesome! Bottom line, what the vet prescribes is what I am taking 100% and doing it.
So, to all you pet owners - stop asking for low-cost, cheap, or free vet care. You get what you pay for. Yes, I know there are people who will only do the minimum for their pets, but when something happens and you haven't taken them in for their annual check-up every year, be prepared to not get an appointment, or get one months down the road. You'll also most likely be told something along the lines of, "Before we do any treatment, we have to conduct a wellness exam and get them up-to-date on shots."
So, if it's been a while since you took your pet to the vet, go schedule that appointment. Do better, be better. You get what you give - so give what you want to receive.
Till our Tails Cross,
Mel
