A 2006 Gallop Poll shows that
Americans
perceive the veterinary profession to be among the top 3 "Honesty
and Ethical Professions." It's important to remember
that perception isn't always reality. Pet food
manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies spend millions of
dollars shaping this perception because their businesses depend
on veterinary recommendations. You've heard the commercials:
"Dr. Jill told us..." And "7 out of 8 vets recommend...." Of course,
most vets in ads are actors, chosen because they look
trustworthy, smart and kind. Even though we know this,
our brains retain the
message you can trust your vet.
Most of us "feel" that vets get
into the profession because they love
animals, and will always put animals need first, ahead of
their own financial needs. But is
this true for all of them, all of the time? Do all medical
doctors love people? Do dentists? I doubt it.
The veterinary profession,
like all others, must surely have their share of greedy
businessmen and women who put their own needs ahead of
animal welfare. Some vets must be "book smart" but
lack common sense. Many must be too busy, or lazy, to
study veterinary medical journals and to take courses in
continuing education. Of course, some vets are wonderful
self-sacrificing animal lovers. Your job, as your dog's
advocate, is to tell the difference.
And just as the AMA shunned
(and still shun) chiropractors, acupuncturists and other
"alternative practitioners," holistic vets have complained
at intimidation by the AVMA. This is all about business.
Never forget that.
Upcoming Video:
"Standing Up to Your Vet." Subscribe to our
blog to get notification when this video is posted.
Wish you could find
the courage to stand up to your vet? Check out our new
video: "Stand Up to Your Veterinarian"
Here's the
code in case you want to embed it on your own website:
Was your dog or cat
a victim of a bad vet? If so, please leave a
comment on our
blog. Scroll to the bottom of the page and write a
comment in the box then click Submit Comment. For legal
reasons, please do not slander anyone. Just tell about the
situation, not the particulars.
Read Locating a Vet to learn the
difference between holistic and allopathic vets, and to
locate board-certified veterinary specialists, homeopaths,
chiropractors and other practitioners.
Read
Check Out Your Vetif you need
to take action against a vet you suspect of malpractice or
other wrongdoing.
Read comments made on our blog by people who have
suffered because of a bad vet's actions.
Are some veterinarians overcharging or pushing unnecessary services?
KNBC News in Los Angeles aired an uncover investigation of
veterinarians. Watch the
video or read the
transcript. Then
read
how DVM
Magazine, a magazine for vets, suggests vets should respond
to telecasts like this one. Dr. Jim Humphries,
president of Veterinary News Network (VNN)
said, "... the honey-moon is over between the media and
veterinary medicine." Read the article
here.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this
web site is provided for general information purposes. Any
information provided is not veterinary advice and should
not be substituted for a regular consultation with a veterinary
professional. If you have any concerns about your dog's
health, please contact your veterinarian's office immediately.
