Are you truly being supported by your pet's vet?

Your dog's veterinarian can be one of the best allies you and your pup will ever have. But veterinarians are human beings, just like the rest of us, and they can make mistakes. Sometimes they make huge mistakes that can cause the death of their patient. The key difference is that they are the ones ultimately responsible for speaking for your dog. You can do your best to describe changes in your dog's behavior, actions, or symptoms, but in the end, it's the veterinarian's duty to listen carefully to what you say, thoroughly examine your dog, and use their professional skills to the fullest. When you schedule an appointment and bring your pet in, you expect to be in the exam room with your beloved dog and a veterinarian who is fully attentive. Yet too often, there seems to be a disconnect in veterinary care.

Many dogs pass away suddenly and without warning, even though clear symptoms may have been present and reported to the vet. Veterinarians have extensive education and are licensed by state boards to practice and charge for their services. But are they truly applying all of that knowledge—carefully examining, diagnosing, and fully explaining everything they are capable of diagnosing to pet owners? At the Canine Heart Foundation, we believe heart conditions in dogs are rarely discussed with owners, yet dogs die from these issues every day. We are holding up a mirror to the veterinary community and asking: Are you doing everything you possibly can for your patients? We encourage pet owners to advocate for their dogs and veterinarians to reflect on their practices so together we can save more lives.

We also advocate that pet owners utilize AI programs to ask questions about your dogs symptoms. Also, present a written not to your vet about your concerns and ask them to sign off on it. If they wont sign off you have the wrong vet. As we mentioned before, when your dog is middle aged and above and there seems to be some slowing down get your dog an X-Ray of their lungs and their chest. Get additional opinions. Do not necessarily always trust your vet. It can save and prolong your dogs life. Your vet is legally and ethically required to use ALL of their licensed professional education & skills to improve your dog's health. Are they? Did they? If they failed you or you wonder if they did, let us know.

       With their training and education and their commitment to the science of veterinary medicine are they doing the best they can with your dogs?