Does your vet's office explain things to you?

I feel kind of dumb.

I've never owned a dog before and as each new experience occurs, I like to know as much as I can about it. Learn about what's happening. I read a lot, do a lot of my own investigation.

But when it comes to vet visits, I feel a bit out in the cold. I've mentioned a few times that I'm new at this so I don't really understand everything. But it's really up to me to ask questions in order to get answers. And the answers are typically very short, as if they're pressed for time. Like when I ask for specific recommendations on how to help Brinkley's itching and reoccuring stomach rash, foods, anything of that sort, the answer was that he doesn't have fleas. He was put on Revolution instead of Sentinel/Frontline for one month, but that was it.

I pressed again and he asked what I was feeding him, and said that was good. I later found out from the internet that I could be doing a bunch of other things like limited ingredient diets, fish oil pills, olive oil (thanks Kara), bathing him less frequently, wiping him down with baby wipes after he comes in from outside, and if it doesn't get better, asking for an allergy test.

(gross alert) A worm appeared in Brinkley's poop on Monday morning. I bagged it, brought it to the vet, and got medicine for roundworm. The office staff was courteous, as always, but it's so matter-of-fact.

I know nothing about the pills except how to give it to him. It occurred to me just now, while trying to find the listed side effects for it because Brinkley is acting strange, that I should be able to have this conversation with the vet, shouldn't I?

I don't know, I feel self-concious, like I'm wasting their time with silly questions that they must have to repeat over and over again. I've heard things my vet said to people on the phone who were faced with putting their dog down like, "Make a decision, but make it soon because we're closing."

Am I being too sensitive or asking too much, for my vet's office to take time to talk to me? Or to actually "like" my dog? It just feels... like a business, that's all.

Message edited 11/18/2008 8:02:43 AM.

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

I don't think you are asking for too much but a really good vet/dr isn't easy to find IMO. I wish you lived by me, I would recommend my vet but I don't believe you do.

I know what you are feeling, you never had a dog and need some guidance. I was there too, and luckily my vet is amazing. My neighbor recommended him and I tell my DH, my vet treats me/my dogs better than my own drs treat me. He calls me back within an hour or so when I have ANY question. I go in with lists of questions (well used to...) and he would patiently guide me with each one. My dogs are my furry children. I love my vet so much that I even send them food baskets for Xmas b/c I really admire the way my vet has treated my furry children and me.

Not so much for my current drs...for myself. So I know what you are feeling and no, you are not asking for too much. Maybe ask for another suggestion and try another one.

Message edited 11/18/2008 8:10:21 AM.

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

Do you live in nassau or suffolk? I can recommend my vet in nassau..

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

Posted by greenfreak

I don't know, I feel self-concious, like I'm wasting their time with silly questions that they must have to repeat over and over again. I've heard things my vet said to people on the phone who were faced with putting their dog down like, "Make a decision, but make it soon because we're closing."

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

Posted by baghag

Posted by greenfreak

I don't know, I feel self-concious, like I'm wasting their time with silly questions that they must have to repeat over and over again. I've heard things my vet said to people on the phone who were faced with putting their dog down like, "Make a decision, but make it soon because we're closing."

All other things aside, THAT would send me running to another vet. The lack of compassion is disgusting.

I would start asking around for another vet.

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

Is this Dr Pete? I am shocked. I have never had any problems with him. Maybe because I have him come to my house for vet visits, so I have an hour allotted time (LOTS of time for questions).

I do agree about the staff though. I rarely ask them questions, because honestly, they just don't know, but I think this is the case in most Drs & Vet offices. Usually I ask them to have Dr. Pete call me directly when he is out of surgery/not in an appt.

Good luck!

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

My DH is a vet, and you should not feel like you are in the wrong. Part of a veterinarians job is to answer all your questions, and make sure you understand everything.

I do the same thing with MDs...I ask a million questions! As a matter of fact, I just got off the phone with a major medical center, and asked for the attending physician to call me back, I have questions about a report he signed off on.
Deb G said something really great...these MDs/vets work for you! So don't feel strange asking questions, no matter how basic they may be.

Trust me, a good vet will not let you leave the office confused (as long as you let him know you this...if you don't ask questions, then your vet doesn't know you don't understand something).
My DH has a lot of people that call him back after they have left, because new questions came to them...and there have been many nights that I stopped by his office after hours, 8:30 - 9pm, and he's still calling clients back, more than happy to explain things and answer all questions.

As a previous poster said, some vets treat their clients better than MDs treat us!

Message edited 11/18/2008 10:44:52 AM.

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

Our vet is really great this way. They take the time to answer all my questions, even when it's questioning them and what they're doing.

I would be a little leary of a vet who is dismissive or short with me. I had that happen at another vet for Arnold. We went twice and left, never to return.

Now, I'm very satisfied with our vet. I feel they have Arnold and Shelby's best interest in mind and are very willing to go over any questions, comments or concerns I may have.

If you're considering the option of looking into other vets or just don't get a good feeling about this vet for whatever reason , I would suggest you follow your gut.

No vet should just assume you understand everything, if you did, YOU would be the vet!

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

Suz, you have FM.

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

Our vet is great. They explain everything, all our options. You should never feel like you are annoying the vet or wasting their time. Their job is to take care of your pets, and to make sure you understand what is going on.

Re: Does your vet's office explain things to you?

Thanks again to everyone who responded.

I've decided to try out another vet in the same office, since it is SO convenient to work and home. This other vet has more hours than mine does too.

If that still doesn't work out, I'm going to check out other recommendations I've gotten today. Thanks ladies.