When you take your pet to the vet, chances are they’re not feeling well, and you just want them to get better.
However, many pet owners aren’t necessarily on their best behaviour when they head to their appointment. Here are some of the behaviours veterinarians find most annoying when you bring in your animals for them to help.
1. Showing up late to appointments
Your vet’s schedule is probably packed tighter than a cat in a sardine can. When you roll in 15 minutes late, it throws off their whole day. They’re trying to give every pet the attention they deserve, and your tardiness means someone else’s furball might get short-changed. Plus, it’s stressful for your pet to sit in a waiting room full of strange smells and sounds longer than necessary.
2. Not restraining your pet properly
Look, we get it. Fluffy is an angel at home. But at the vet’s office? Different story. When you let your dog roam free or your cat leap out of their carrier, it’s not just annoying – it’s dangerous. Other animals might not be as friendly, and the last thing anyone wants is an impromptu fight between pets in the waiting room.
3. Diagnosing your pet via Dr. Google
We’ve all been down the WebMD rabbit hole, convinced we’re dying of some rare tropical disease. Doing the same for your pet and then arguing with your vet about it? Not cool. They’ve spent years studying animal health, and while your internet sleuthing is admirable, it’s not a substitute for veterinary school.
4. Feeding your pet right before the visit
If your vet says to bring your pet in with an empty stomach, there’s a good reason. Maybe they need to do blood work, or they’re prepping for a procedure. Sneaking Rover a snack before you leave the house can mess up test results or even be dangerous if they need anaesthesia.
5. Not mentioning all the symptoms
Your vet isn’t psychic. If you only mention that your cat’s been sneezing but forget to bring up the midnight yowling sessions, you’re not giving them the full picture. Every detail helps them figure out what’s going on with your fur baby.
6. Letting kids run wild in the exam room
The vet’s office isn’t a playground. When kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s distracting for the vet and stressful for your pet. Plus, there are all sorts of equipment in there that curious little hands shouldn’t be messing with.
7. Not keeping up with preventative care
Showing up once a year for shots and then ignoring all advice about flea prevention, dental care, or weight management? That’s like only brushing your teeth when you go to the dentist. Your vet wants to keep your pet healthy year-round, not just play catch-up once a year.
8. Downplaying how much your pet really eats
When your vet asks about your chunky kitty’s diet, “Oh, just a handful of kibble twice a day” isn’t helpful if you’re actually filling the bowl to the brim. They’re not the food police – they just want an accurate picture to help your pet stay healthy.
9. Getting upset about wait times
Sometimes emergencies happen. If your vet is running behind, it’s probably because another pet needed urgent care. They’re not hanging out in the back having a coffee break. A little patience goes a long way.
10. Ignoring medication instructions
If your vet prescribes medication, follow the instructions to a T. Don’t decide on your own that Fido only needs half a pill, or stop the meds early because he seems better. This can lead to recurring problems or even drug resistance.
11. Waiting too long to bring in a sick pet
Your dog’s been throwing up for three days, but you waited until Friday afternoon to call? Now your vet’s scrambling to fit you in before the weekend. Early intervention can often prevent minor issues from becoming major (and expensive) problems.
12. Not controlling your pet during the exam
Your vet needs to examine your pet, not wrestle them. If your dog or cat is anxious or aggressive at the vet, let them know ahead of time. They might have techniques to make the visit less stressful for everyone.
13. Refusing to consider recommended tests
When your vet suggests blood work or X-rays, it’s not because they’re trying to pad the bill. These tests can catch issues early or rule out serious problems. Refusing all diagnostics makes it really hard for them to do their job effectively.
14. Not being honest about finances
If a treatment plan is out of your budget, say so. Your vet would rather know upfront so they can discuss alternatives or payment plans. Agreeing to everything and then not following through doesn’t help anyone, least of all your pet.
