Are vets necessary?

[F, Calla & Luca]

Of course they are. But when? Yearly checkups, vaccinations are a must in my opinion. But I do think there may be a tendency to rush to the vet with everything. If your dog is really bleeding or obviously injured, having difficulty breathing, or is unconscious or something like that  you should  head to the vet or canine ER immediately. For other things, If you are really worried perhaps you should go. But I think dogs are like children. Dogs can't tell you in words, but they can give you a lot of information by their behavior how they are feeling. Is your dog pacing, whimpering etc. Go to the vet.

Watchful waiting serves me well for many other minor ailments, along with a dollop of common sense and medical training. But you can do this too. People, though seem to go to the vet for some things for which they'd treat themselves or their kids. When it comes to minor cuts and scratches ,  I am comfortable cleaning the area up if need be, putting on some antibiotic cream and waiting. If the area heals great. If it looks worse, feels very hot, oozes anything, go to the vet.

You should get used to the smell of a healthy ear. If ears don't smell right, or look pretty grubby, clean them. I think you should do this every week or two as a matter of course.  If cleaning the ear once or twice doesn't solve the problem, or before that, if things get worse, go to the vet (GTTV).

The food group has lots of regimens for diarrhea. You don't go to the doctor every time you have diarrhea. Try chicken and rice, or pumpkin and if things don't get better in a few days go to the vet. Dogs vomit fairly frequently, it seems to me. Just an incidence or two of vomiting often is due to eating something that disagreed with them, or irritated thier stomach. If vomiting persists GTTV.

If your dogs urination habits change dramatically, you can try treating it but if I were you, I'd probably GTTV. Urinary tract infections are best caught early both for the dogs comfort and health.

There was a post the other night about a puppy ,who was thought to have swallowed a couple of marbles. It had not, an x-ray revealed. This is a toss-up. But I probably would have watched the pup overnight and made a decision about whether to go to the vet in the morning if the pup seemed OK overnight.

There is a site called Just Answer.com. There are vets online who will answer your questions for about $9. I used this service once when Luca had a sore above his eye, I think. The vet was great.

The disclaimer: This works for me. I don't in any way think you should use this other than as a guide line at most. This is what I would do if I were you. But you will be the person on the spot. You have to use your best judgment for your dog and your own peace of mind. Every situation is unique. No one knows your dog better than you, including your vet.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I am a believer in watching and waiting, however, I often get it wrong. With my kids, I always seemed to rush to the hospital when it was absolutely nothing. I stressed the boys and it cost a lot of money. But...... when my oldest broke 3 bones in his hand I kissed his arm and sent him to bed. A week later I finally took him in only to have surgery to reset the bones.
When my youngest had mono so severe his throat almost closed, I thought it was his normal spring cold and I would let it run its course. Three days of IV's and elevated liver enzymes later... he was released from the hospital but spent another month at home.

Still, your house or your car won't heal themselves but miraculously our bodies ( and dogs) will heal if we give them time.

It's a gamble accompanied with common sense. Just pray we have that common sense when the time is right.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Never easy being a Mom. And mine are grown men! It is always better to err on the side of caution. The hand may well have needed surgery anyway though, I'm not sure. The mono, not much but supportive care is available but that can be vital. Hepatitis is very common with mono and son #2 no doubt would have had to recuperate for quite a while regardless of how soon he was seen. Remember ABC, airway, blood and circulation. Can't take chances with any of those. If you hear funny noises when a child or dog is breathing, I'd take the "patient" in.

[BG and Gavin]

Great post FPC&L. Thanks for taking the time to educate me. Luckily I have not been faced with any tough calls so far (knock on wood).

[F, Calla & Luca]

You're welcome. And I forgot to mention there is always a lot of advice and experience on DK.

[F, Calla & Luca]

BTW, I saw some pictures on the cottage doodles pages. What gorgeous scenery. I'm ready to move : )

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for checking us out. Trying to create a buzz. lol.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'd be happy to join if the group donates the cottage.

[BG and Gavin]

Hey, we are an inclusive bunch - you don't have to own a cottage. You are welcome to join!

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

well, the key difference is that kids can talk (at least after the age of 2 or so) and dogs can't. So if I am in doubt, I simply call the vet. Usually they can tell me over the phone if I need to come in or not, based on what's going on.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree. I call the vet for anything I'm not sure about. I feel more comfortable this way, and it doesn't hurt anything to go to the vet even if it might not be absolutely necessary. Whereas if someone doesn't go when it is necessary, that could do harm.
I was that way with my kids too. I knew people whose child would vomit & run a fever, and they would wait to see if it went away on it's own. I'd go to the pediatrician that day. And with my kids, it would always turned out to be strep, which would not have gone away on its own. So the child gets antibiotics right away, and feels better right away, rather than feeling sick for 2 or 3 days first.
I think everyone has to do what they're most comfortable with. I'm personally more comfortable erring on the side of caution.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I do the same. I'm lucky enough to have a Vet (and also some great Vet Techs) who welcome these calls. Most of the time she is able to give me the information I need right over the phone. If she thinks it's necessary,then we go in.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I am the same way, watch and wait. I was like this with my boys and still with the dogs. I go to the vet for their yearly exam, do titers and Lyme Test and the regular day to day stuff, I do myself. Especially with dogs, it seems that within 24 hours you know if it warrants a vet visit or not. Mostly, it all will pass by then. There are lots of Internet and print resources that help with all the normal day to day first aid and The Food Group advice has helped many a dood get over their digestive issues.

I think it just depends on the person. Some only will feel relieved by having a vet tell them it will be OK.